Al Capone remains one of the most infamous figures in American crime history. His name is synonymous with the Prohibition-era underworld, where bootlegging, racketeering, and ruthless violence ruled the streets.
As the boss of the Chicago Outfit, he built an empire that made him one of the wealthiest and most feared criminals of his time. While heavily armed bodyguards constantly surrounded Capone, he also took his personal protection into his own hands, carrying a selection of deadly firearms at different stages of his criminal career.
The Notorious Gangster and His Weapons of Choice
The guns Capone once owned, carried, and possibly used in shootouts have become valuable historical artifacts, fetching astonishing prices at auctions. Some of these weapons were customized to fit his personal tastes, while others were practical tools of survival in the deadly world he controlled. Whether tucked into his tailored suits or displayed as symbols of power, these firearms tell a story of violence, wealth, and the eventual downfall of America’s most famous gangster.
The Chicago Typewriter – The Weapon That Defined an Era
Capone’s name is often associated with the Thompson submachine gun, better known as the “Chicago Typewriter.” This rapid-fire weapon became the signature firearm of organized crime during the 1920s and was frequently used in gangland wars, most notoriously in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929. While the Tommy gun was a tool of his hired killers rather than a personal sidearm, Capone ensured that his gang had access to the best firepower money could buy.
Bulletproof Cadillac
To protect himself from both law enforcement and rival gangs, Capone also commissioned a custom-built armored Cadillac. This vehicle, designed to withstand bullets and surprise attacks, was another testament to his paranoia and status. Interestingly, its color scheme mimicked Chicago police cars, making it an even more deceptive and effective mode of escape when needed.
The Compact Colt 1908 – Small but Deadly
Capone understood the importance of concealable firepower, which made the Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless one of his preferred weapons. This sleek .380 caliber pistol, first manufactured in 1925, was small enough to fit in a pocket but powerful enough to be lethal. It was also a popular choice among criminals and lawmen alike, with other infamous figures such as John Dillinger and Bonnie Parker also favoring this model.
Capone’s personal Colt 1908 was later auctioned by his granddaughters, complete with smooth wooden grips and a blue finish. While it was a firearm meant for quick, close-range encounters, its primary advantage was discretion – allowing Capone to carry it unnoticed in his suits while attending high-profile meetings and public events.
“My Sweetheart” – Capone’s Ornate 1911 Pistol
Among the most fascinating firearms linked to Capone is his Colt 1911 .45 ACP, which he allegedly referred to as “My Sweetheart.” Unlike the practical Colt 1908, this gun was highly customized, featuring engraved floral patterns, handmade checkering, and deer antler grips. This level of craftsmanship suggests that it was more than just a tool for self-defense – it was a statement piece, a weapon of prestige.
Interestingly, this gun’s modifications didn’t align with the needs of a street criminal. The adjustable rear sights, Patridge front sight, and trigger extension were more suited for competition shooting rather than quick-draw combat. Some believe that these changes were made by Capone’s son, Sonny Capone, who was a competitive marksman. Regardless of who made the modifications, the 1911 remained a treasured possession in the Capone family, eventually selling at auction for a staggering $1 million – far beyond its original estimate.
The Smith & Wesson .38 – A Revolver with a Twisted Journey
Capone’s arsenal wasn’t limited to semi-automatic pistols – he also owned a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a classic choice for personal protection during the 1920s. Manufactured in 1925, the revolver featured mother-of-pearl grips, a popular aesthetic choice among gangsters of the time.
This particular firearm has a bizarre history, passing through multiple owners and eventually falling into the hands of law enforcement decades later. Originally purchased in 1928 as part of a batch of weapons meant to reinforce Capone’s Florida estate, the gun was later seized by police during one of Capone’s arrests. Over the years, it exchanged hands multiple times, eventually becoming part of the U.S. government’s collection of historical crime artifacts. Today, it is on public display at The Mob Museum in Las Vegas.
Guns Bought for the Assassination of Frankie Yale?
When Capone expanded his operations from Chicago to Florida, he felt the need for additional security. During his time in Miami Beach, he instructed a close associate to purchase six revolvers and six shotguns, ensuring that his estate was well-defended against potential threats.
Interestingly, some of the weapons from this purchase were later linked to the assassination of Frankie Yale, a former Capone ally turned rival. In 1928, Yale was gunned down in Brooklyn, and some of the firearms used in the attack were traced back to Capone’s men. While it’s uncertain whether Capone himself fired the shots, the connection between these weapons and one of the most notorious mob killings of the time is undeniable.
Seized by Law Enforcement—Twice
Capone’s arrest history is well-documented, but one of his revolvers managed to elude police custody for decades. When Capone was arrested in Miami Beach in 1928, this Smith & Wesson revolver was confiscated along with other weapons found at his mansion. However, the gun disappeared from police records and resurfaced in an illegal gambling operation in Kentucky decades later.
In 2003, federal agents raided a gambling ring in Mayfield, Kentucky, and among the seized assets was Capone’s old .38 caliber revolver. It was a shocking discovery – one of the last direct relics of his criminal empire had somehow survived and continued to circulate in the underground world of crime, long after Capone himself had faded into history.
Capone’s Empire Outlived Him
Despite his larger-than-life image and ruthless control over Chicago, Capone was ultimately brought down not by bullets, but by accountants. In 1931, federal investigators convicted him of tax evasion, sentencing him to 11 years in prison. His health rapidly deteriorated behind bars due to untreated syphilis, and by the time he was released in 1939, he was no longer the feared crime lord he once was.
Though Capone died in 1947 at the age of 48, his criminal empire continued under the leadership of his cousin and right-hand man, Frank Nitti. The Chicago Outfit remained a dominant force in organized crime well into the 1950s, proving that Capone’s reign, though over, had left an unshakable legacy.
The Legend Lives On
Al Capone’s firearms represent more than just weapons – they are pieces of history, relics of an era when gangsters ruled the streets with fear and firepower. Some of these guns have ended up in museums, while others have sold for astronomical sums at auction, proving that the public remains fascinated by Scarface’s dark and violent past.
Though his time at the top was relatively short, Capone’s impact on American crime culture is undeniable. His weapons, once tools of power and intimidation, now serve as eerie reminders of a man who built an empire through violence, corruption, and calculated brutality – and ultimately paid the price for it.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.