Gunman Newt Walker's S&W M&P .38

[Wyatt Burp]

Newt Walker and his family were in a long time feud with the Burton family in the hills east of Bakersfield, CA. In 1905 Newt and his elderly father got off a stagecoach in Havilah, close to where the Walker cabin was. A Burton Family member and a troublemaking friend Bagsby started hassling the Walkers as they followed them walking up the road. The Walkers and other witnesses saw Burton had a pistol earlier. All of a sudden they started shooting at each other. Newt Walker killed them both as he saw Bagsby drawing his gun. Bagsby got off three shots but missed. Later it was found Burton was now unarmed and apparently gave his gun to Bagsby. Walker went on trial for murder.
It looked bad for Walker because they didn't believe he could out shoot someone who already had their gun out. Walker's lawyer had him strap on his unloaded gun while on the stand. Walker then asked the judge to reach for his handkerchief in his pocket. As soon as his hand moved Newt's gun was instantly out of the holster as he "clicked the hammer four times". His speed with a gun sold the jury and he was acquitted.
Nineteen years later Newt Walker's brother shot and killed him and two friends at the Walker cabin, possibly over a poker game. Then killed himself. Newt Walker had a pair of "long barreled S&Ws and a pocket pistol of the same make". The gun pictured is one of the two and there's a 50/50 chance it was used in the 1905 shootout. This story found in "California Feuds" by William B. Secrest.

 

[quinn]

These historical pieces make my day! Thanks

 

[rincar]

Great historical story with a S&W story in it. I love these type of articles.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

The area where this happened was still very wild country past the turn of the century though not that far from the central valley and the city of Bakersfield. Most of the Walkers were involved in other killings. Tom Walker, the brother who killed Newt Walker and two others (then himself) was being harassed by a guy in a saloon once who then pulled a gun. Walker killed him. Then in AZ it happened again and he killed a guy then shot him as he lay on the floor. He went to prison for that. A younger Walker brother went to prison for murder, too.
The Newt Walker gunfight and his own murder were all done with a S&W .38 Special. Pretty lethal for a caliber considered pretty weak by many. I guess ol' Newt never read "Sixguns By Keith" (I know. It was written 50 years later).

 

[StrawHat]

Interesting synopsis! I have always maintained the 38 Special is the best of the .36 calibers. And as is often repeated, it isn't what you are shooting as much as it is where you are hitting.

Kevin