Is young guns based on a true story?

Yes, "Young Guns" is based on a true story. The film is a dramatization of the lives of Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez) and his gang of outlaws, known as the Regulators, who operated in the New Mexico Territory during the late 1870s and early 1880s. The story follows Billy and his friends as they seek revenge against John Tunstall (Terence Stamp), a rancher and friend of Billy's, who was murdered by corrupt lawmen led by Sheriff William Brady (Jack Palance).

While the film takes creative liberties with historical events and characters, it does draw inspiration from real-life figures and incidents. Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw who became a legend of the Old West, and the Lincoln County War, which serves as the backdrop for "Young Guns," was a genuine conflict between rival factions in the New Mexico Territory. The film also features other real-life figures such as Jesse Evans (Kiefer Sutherland), Dick Brewer (Charlie Sheen), and Doc Scurlock (Lou Diamond Phillips), who were members of Billy the Kid's gang.

Although "Young Guns" is not a strictly accurate historical account, it captures the spirit and essence of the Old West and the lives of the individuals who shaped that era. The film's portrayal of Billy the Kid and his gang has become iconic, and it has contributed to the enduring popularity of the legend of the Wild West.