This around the world costume idea for Halloween or theme parties comes from 19th century America, in the particular the area referred to as the Wild West or the Old West. The gunslinger (which is a twentieth century term that largely originated in films), or gunfighter, costume is, in many ways, a variation of the cowboy costume from the same period. Whilst gunslingers and cowboys are often confused, the two were in fact quite different.
The gunslinger was someone who was considered to be handy with a gun. Today this mostly means with a pistol, but rifles and shotguns were also popular weapons. Historical gunfighters could be outlaws or lawman, with the members of the Clanton-McLaury gang being examples of the former and Wyatt Earp who, along with his brothers and “Doc” Holliday, fought them at the famous O.K. Corral, being an example of the latter.
The costume of the gunslinger is largely similar to that of the cowboy, although city gunslingers might go for a more dandified image.
The Head
As with the cowboy, cowboy hats are popular. For an outlaw, darker colours are preferable. Another hat that was, surprisingly, popular in the Old West was the bowler. A gunslinger, particularly an outlaw, could use the cowboy’s bandana to help hide their identity.
The Body
Like a cowboy, many outlaws and lawmen also rode horses. Leather chaps would also often be worn over strong trousers, such as jeans. The shirt might be a tough, hard wearing long-sleeved shirt like that of a cowboy, but it could also be a more formal shirt, perhaps with a string tie, with a waistcoat worn over it, for the more urban gunslinger. Similarly, in such a case, the trousers would be more formal.
Horse riders would also wear dusters, full length canvas or linen coats that were slit up the back to make them easier to wear on the back of a horse. These were usually light in colour, but for the ominous outlaw image, a black one is preferable.
The Feet
For the horse riding gunslinger, cowboy boots are an essential, probably with spurs. For those that didn’t ride, dark leather shoes are a possible alternative.
The Accessories
The primary accessories for the gunslinger is, of course, the gun. This can be one or a pair of revolvers – even though very few were able to successfully use two revolvers at once – worn on a leather belt. An old rifle from the period is also an alternative.
Should the gunslinger in question be a lawman, then some sort of badge would probably be worn, whether Sheriff, U.S. Marshall or Texas Ranger.