John Wayne's movie guns...

[PALADIN85020]

I was just cleaning up some old photos today, and came across this one from 2009, about 12 years ago. I was at the NRA annual meeting (held in Phoenix that year), and had the opportunity to see and handle a couple of guns that John Wayne used in a number of his western movies.

In my right hand is the Great Western single action revolver that he wore at the 4 o'clock location pretty much consistently, except for the standoff ride in "True Grit" where it was tucked in his belt. In my left is an 1892 Winchester carbine with a large loop lever that he also employed. My understanding is that there were more than one of these that he used in his movie work.

At any rate, getting to handle these national treasures of the firearms world brought a huge smile to my face; a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I thought I'd share the picture.

John

 

[wyo-man]

Just WOW!

wyo-man

 

[Eric300]

'Fill yer hand you........'

 

[bgrafsr]

'Fill yer hand you........'

Classic John Wayne movie. The "newer" one doesn't compare at all.

 

[18DAI]

Awesome pieces of Americana. From an Icon and Patriot. Thanks for sharing them with us! Regards 18DAI

 

[625-7]

Not a

Large loop short barreled carbine with a weathered stock!

 

[jkallner]

Thanks so much for sharing. I green with envy. I saw one of the rifles at Warner Brothers but couldn't touch it. Thanks again.

 

[mauser9]

Thanks for sharing. I figured many of those look alike Colt SAA were actually Great Western produced guns. Heard James Arness used them on Gunsmoke. I would imagine a lot cheaper than using real Colts even back in the 50s-60s.

 

[.357magger]

Looks like you "FILLED YOUR HANDS YOU SON OF A...."

(paraphrasing from "True Grit")

Okay, didn't want to curse at you, great movie line or not.

Thanks for sharing the memory. Cool pics.

 

[Golphin]

That is really neat thanks for sharing

 

[Alk8944]

Since you didn't specify what information you were interested.the basic information others gave, except the Great Western remark, is correct. Those guns were personally owned by John Wayne himself.

 

[ZGrand]

Cool!

True Grit was a good movie, but as talented a musician as Glen Campbell was, he could NOT act!

 

[dr. mordo]

Amazing. I can't even imagine holding those guns in my hands. They are pieces of history.

 

[Lee Barner]

Eric300, you left out a line: "that's mighty bold talk for a one eyed fat man" Lee

 

[jc2721]

Now, it's a rat writ writ for a rat, and I'm here to see that it's duly served...BLAM!

 

[Ruger 13]

Very cool!

 

[03hemi]

His entire personal collection (in the 1000's) were purchased by some guy who owns a or some truck stops and are all displayed in one of them. That is one impressive collection!

 

[gwpercle]

Thanks for posting the photo's ... I enjoyed them !

Having grown up watching westerns , big and small screen, last Sept. I bought a Ruger Wrangler to scratch the short barrel single action gunslinger six-shooter itch I've had for 50+ years , not a 45 Colt but at 71 i'm sure the 22 LR will do the job in a Tin Can shootout . It has that barrel cut even with the ejector rod !
Thinking about getting a "Duke" holster & gunbelt ... like the one he carried that revolver in all those years !
Thanks again ,
Gary

 

[Capt. F.]

Five years ago I picked up this GW .44 Special. Case hardening and bluing is mostly gone but mechanically it’s solid and the plus was the price - $300.
It’s a good shooter with “ Skeeter” loads. But then even if it wasn’t how can you not love a gun with 4 clicks?

 

[Patrick L]

I was watching that last night! Great film!