[OldMarksman]

This is from the Utah State History website:

The Pony Express started with 80 experienced riders, 500 horses, and 190 stations that were 10 to 12 miles apart. Many of the riders were skillful guides or seasoned scouts. All were, by necessity, good horseman and were noted for their small, wiry stature. For risking their lives daily, they received $25.00 per week, two revolvers, a rifle, a bowie knife, and a gold-imprinted bible. The heavy armaments proved to be too much luggage and later on they settled on a single pistol and an extra leaded cylinder.

Loaded, of course.