stating that he "could whip any bunch of Indians"
Pride before a fall. It seems to be a common failing in the military. Another "western" gun that has a certain aesthetic appeal are those old Confederate revolvers. As the South lacked the industrial capacity of the North they made the non-stressed gun parts of brass. But instead of looking cheap and cheerful the yellow metal had a gold-like glamour. I noticed that the movie "Ride with the Devil" picked up on that aspect as part of its look and really emphasised the golden glow in the shoot-out scenes.
