twist rates for 50-90 rebarrel

[Orville]

Dixson had just bought the 44 as he had lost his 50 in a creek crossing he got hold of a 50 and used that during the battle. Cody I also looked at those bluffs to the south east and agree if the shot actually occurred that would be the bluff. Many books show the close bluff leaving one to believe that is where the Indian was shot off his horse. I don't think the shot took place, Dixson never talked about it in later years. When I first read about it in high school in the 1960s the shot was a little over 1200 yards, so it has gained some 300 yards in the last 50 years.

[jackrabbit]

Like most legends, they are usually based on some event and then get exaggerated over the years. I think he probably made some lucky long distance shot that started the legend but where it took place and how far it was has been lost to history. The story of Adobe walls is still a great one and I think Billy Dixon was an American Hero and very interesting character. I think less of J. Wright Mooar for trying to diminish Billy's memory. I find Mooar to be egotistical and pompous and not heroic or admirable at all. It sure is fun to read and think about.
take care, Cody

[boge]

Every few years this BS story comes up and I have to drag out this magazine article from Jan. 1908 that used interviews with survivor's as its source. The answer to the mythical shot is therein.

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/indi ... 908-1.html

[jackrabbit]

Thanks for posting that Boge, I had not seen if before. It is interesting as it puts a little different light on parts of the story than I had read before. The big one for me is that it offers no suggestion of the story of the main beam breaking to be false. As far what I think, the story of just firing a pistol and then telling everyone the beam was breaking just to get them out of bed and ready to fight is a fabrication of J. Wright Mooar. He likes to tell the story and he wasn't even there. Then the chicken crap brags about how he knew the fight was coming and cleared out, but didn't want to tell the guys so they would stick around and protect the goods. It looks to me like they should have strung him up. Anyway, the article also says Billy's shot was 800 yards and gives little fanfare to it, the medicine man was hit behind a hill by a stray bullet, and it specifically details the heroism of Keeler. I agree, this maybe the most factual account of the battle we have.
take care, Cody

[Don McDowell]

Cody do you have either of Dixon's books? I have both the first one, and the second by his wife.

[Kurt]

I have read several on line books on Billy Dixon since Orville made a post here a few years ago.
One book I found was by Billy's wife Olive Dixon and in it she mentioned that Billy himself said that shot was much closer then what has been written.
Here is a good book also. https://books.google.com/books?id=QlgDA ... on&f=false

[Chief Beck]

I have read several on line books on Billy Dixon since Orville made a post here a few years ago.
One book I found was by Billy's wife Olive Dixon and in it she mentioned that Billy himself said that shot was much closer then what has been written.
Here is a good book also. https://books.google.com/books?id=QlgDA ... on&f=false

That was a good read Kurt!
I was a little surprised that he was carrying his "old .50" during the Buffalo Wallow fight, I thought he had lost it when he crossed the North Canadian river just before the Adobe Walls fight. I wonder if he was actually carrying his .44 that he bought at Walls? Or, maybe he traded the .44 for the .50 shortly after the Adobe Walls fight? Unanswered questions, but a really good read!


Dennis

[Orville]

I believe Dixon had a 50-70 at the buffalo wallow fight.

[Chief Beck]

I believe Dixon had a 50-70 at the buffalo wallow fight.

Orville,

That would make sense with Dixon's new found employment as an Army scout, the Army would have issued him a .50-70 Springfield.

Thanks!

Dennis

[boge]

I believe Dixon had a 50-70 at the buffalo wallow fight.

Orville,

That would make sense with Dixon's new found employment as an Army scout, the Army would have issued him a .50-70 Springfield.

Thanks!

Dennis

The Military began the switch to the 45-70 Springfield & .45 SAA just in time for the Red River War in 1874. However, as a civilian scout Dixon was probably not issued a "front line" weapon so new IMO. He was probably issued an 1870 Model Springfield in .50 Gov't.

[Orville]

Cody
When you were at Adobe Walls did you check out the buffalo Wallow site as well? I did and as near as I could tell it has been farmed over, filled in and there are trees growing in the area also.

[jackrabbit]

Orville, I did not. We were short of time and I did not do much research before we left. Hopefully I make it back to Texas someday and will look at it then. Do you still have info on where exactly it was?
thanks, Cody

[Orville]

Cody
I think it was marked, it's been awhile, I'm not at home so can't look at maps.

[mrhunterken]

I believe it's in the area of Lubbock, Tx. Exactly where I don't know.

[Orville]

It is not too far from Adobe walls