Complex sentence: Lake described them as extra-long Colt Single Action Army revolvers, with a-long barrel, and stated that Buntline presented them to five lawmen in thanks for their help in contributing local color to his western yarns.
Split into simpler sentences: Lake described them as extra-long,-long barrel Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Lake wrote that Buntline presented them to five lawmen in thanks for their help with contributing "local color" to his western yarns.