Of all the leadership personalities to rise through the ranks of the U.S. military, General George S. Patton, Jr., stands out perhaps as the most famous. He is certainly remembered not only as a brilliant strategist but also for his very special taste in firearms. Patton’s penchant for carrying ivory-handled pistols has become a big part of his legend, something like a symbol of his fearless and hard-driving style of leadership.
Patton’s big ivory-handled Smith & Wesson Model 27 on his hip, of course, chambered in the distinguished .357 Magnum cartridge, made frequent appearances during World War II. Patton called this gun his “killing gun”—a testament to his affinity for strong and reliable weapons. The .357 Magnum was created in the heyday of the Prohibition era to give law enforcement a better caliber against heavily armed gangsters. With its high velocity and energy, it was an overnight success and even a classic among those needing a reliable sidearm in critical situations.
Among Patton’s arsenal of iconic firearms was another—a Colt Single Action Army revolver in .45 Colt—carried everywhere with great pride by the officer. These pistols were not only instruments of war but truly extensions of Patton’s persona, symbolizing an aggressive and positive style of leadership from the front. His choice of firearms reflected his belief in being well-armed and prepared for any challenge.
Aside from his firearms, Patton’s legacy is also commemorated through the General George S. Patton, Jr. WWII 75th Anniversary Tribute Pistol. This is an extremely limited edition authorized edition Colt .45 pistol and a family-approved tribute dedicated to his contributions toward the Allied victory in World War II. It contains intricate 24-karat gold artwork that wraps around the pistol, illustrating four of the major campaigns: North Africa, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine into Germany. Every line in this pistol, from tip to butt, mirrors Patton’s influence on the course of the war and continues to shape military strategy.
Patton’s style of leadership—enthusiastic toward battle, inspiring his troops—gave him the nickname “Old Blood and Guts.” Many of his men would say, “Our blood, his guts,” meaning he took risks and acted with valor. Furthermore, there is no denying that Patton was a good commander, despite some controversial political missteps. His strategies and tactics have left almost an indelible mark on the U.S. Influencing therefore the nature of training programs, it worked on the development of armored warfare.
Thus, Patton’s darling, the .357 Magnum, is still very relevant today because of its versatility and power. It was initially designed to go through the car doors that were fashionable during the warfare of the mobsters in the 1920s, but the .357 Magnum today is always in the lineup with law enforcement agencies, hunters, and competition shooters. Its characteristics—high velocity and deep penetration—have made this weapon fit for a wide scope of applications, from self-defense to hunting small and medium-sized game.
Not only are the strategic victories Patton preserved but so are the pieces of iconic firearms taken with him everywhere. The weapons were symbols of his leadership, strong will, and unyielding determination, inspiring and reminding us of one of America’s greatest field commanders.