Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
No Result
View All Result

The Many Guns of John Wayne on the Big Screen

Peter Suciu by Peter Suciu
February 5, 2021
in Culture, Guns, Handguns, Lifestyle, Rifles
0
John Wayne Guns, movies
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Throughout an acting career that spanned more than 40 years, John Wayne wielded a lot of guns on the big screen. Known primarily for his “cowboy” and western roles, the Duke is commonly associated with the Winchester repeating rifles. However, it was nearly a decade into his career before he ever carried one in a movie. Likewise, Wayne could be seen with many military firearms over the course of his career and he was among the first big screen actors to use an M16 variant in a movie and he was the first to use a MAC-10.

Gun Store Movies, Gun Buying in Hollywood
RELATED STORY

Hollywood Gun Buying: Grading 5 Gun Store Scenes From Movies and TV

John Wayne and His Guns

Wayne was an extra and played an unnamed American officer in the 1928 World War I silent film Four Sons, but he was never seen holding a firearm despite the film’s wartime setting. He continued to have bit parts, many of which were uncredited, until he starred in the 1930 film The Big Trail. Largely overlooked today, the film still deemed to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress in 2006 and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

It also marked the first time Wayne carried a firearm on screen; in this case an Enfield Pattern 1853, a percussion fired rifled musket that saw use in the Crimean War and later in the American Civil War. In the film, Wayne’s character—a young trapper and scout—also carried a Remington 1858 New Army. He never used either weapon again, however.

The Single Action Army

Of the firearms that John Wayne used the most in movies, nothing even comes close to the Colt 1873 Single Action Army Revolver, which appeared in some 25 films. While not the first to use the infamous revolver in a movie – that would be the unnamed “Bandit” in 1903’s The Great Train Robbery – Wayne was arguably the first household name to use the Single Action Army in a film, it was in 1931’s The Range Feud.

Over the nearly five decades following that film, the Duke carried Single Action Army Revolvers. He carried them in such films as The Trail Beyond (1934), Red River (1948), Rio Grande (1950), Hondo (1953) and The Sons of Katie Elder (1965).

John Wayne Guns, True Grit
Wayne used the Colt Single Action Army revolver in some 25 films including in his Oscar winning performance as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit

He also carried the revolver as Deputy U.S. Marshal Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn in his Oscar winning performance True Grit, as well as in the sequel Rooster Cogburn. It’s also fitting that his character carries a “Great Western Revolver”; it’s a specially engraved replica made especially for Wayne, in his final movie The Shootist (1976).

The Winchester Model 1892

The Winchester Model 1892 was first seen in the 1939 film Stagecoach. Winchester’s rifle—notably the large lever loop version—has become practically synonymous with Wayne. The lever-action repeating rifle, which the legendary John Browning designed to be a smaller and lighter version of the large-frame Model 1886, is almost always an anachronism, but because of Wayne it was associated with Hollywood westerns for decades.

Wayne used the Winchester Model 1892 in a dozen films. The Saddle Ring Carbine version appeared about half of the time.

As with the Colt Single Action Army, Winchester’s rifle appeared in some of the Duke’s most remembered and beloved films. Those include Red River, The Searchers (1953), True Grit and The Shootist.

Only in a few films did Wayne ever use the more period correct rifles. A good example is the Winchester Model 1866 “Yellow Boy,” which appears in the 1948 film Fort Apache. Meanwhile, he used a Springfield Model 1873 Cavalry Carbine in Red River. However, those are the exceptions, and while not historically accurate, Wayne just seems correct carrying the Model 1892.

John Wayne Guns, Rooster Cogburn

Additionally, he used a Gatling Gun in his second to final Western, Rooster Cogburn (1975). Impressively, co-star Katharine Hepburn even fired it!

John Wayne With Military Guns

In addition to being known for playing U.S. Marshals and other lawmen—as well as gun fighters and cowboys—in countless westerns, Wayne’s character roster also included many war films. As noted, his first role was playing a U.S. military officer during the First World War. However, it was during the Second World War that he made the transition to portraying a modern soldier.

In 1944’s The Fighting Seabees, Wayne carried a Colt M1911A1 .45 pistol and Springfield M1903A3 rifle. Meanwhile, in 1949’s Sands of Iwo Jima he first carried and actually fired an M1 Garand. Wayne carried the M1 Garand again, but never fired it in the 1962 World War II epic The Longest Day.

The Green Berets

By the end of the 1960s, John Wayne had the somewhat dubious distinction of appearing in The Green Berets. It was the only Vietnam War film to have the full support of the U.S. military.

The film essentially comes off as a western with the Viet Cong taking the role of the American Indians attacking a besieged frontier outpost. In the film, Wayne carries an XM16E1; it’s the Army variant of the original M16 (SP1).

The Green Berets, Rifle

What is notable about the rifle’s inclusion in the film is that these appear to be real XM16E1. It features the forward bolt assist and three-prong flash suppressor. While not the first time the AR-15/M-16 saw use in a movie, Wayne was certainly among the first “stars” to carry the gun.

Additionally, Wayne uses a Mattel M-16 Marauder toy in two different scenes in the film. The first comes after the enemy shoots down his helicopter. The second is during a special operations mission where Wayne’s character smashes the weapon of a fallen comrade. Why another soldier doesn’t carry the weapon is unclear, but Wayne smashes it against a tree in dramatic fashion!

The ‘Dirty Harry’ Situation

At the tail end of his career, and with the decline in westerns, Wayne attempted to make the transition to modern period films. He starred in two different “cop” films. Wayne also received an offer for the title role in Dirty Harry. However, he turned it down. Why? Not because of the violence – as some reports have suggested. Those reports likely confused Wayne with George C. Scott, who did reportedly turn down the role for such reasons.

It is also not true that Wayne lobbied for the role. Rather, it’s documented that Wayne passed on it because he was only offered the role after it had already been offered to Frank Sinatra, who was forced to turn down the role as he had previously broken his wrist and couldn’t handle Harry Calagan’s signature .44 Magnum. Wayne turned it down because he took offense at being offered “Sinatra’s rejections.”

Robert Mitchum and Burt Lancaster both also subsequently passed on the role. But it was Wayne that saw the error of his ways after the film became a hit and allowed Eastwood, who also made his mark in westerns, transition to other genres.

John Wayne With Modern Guns

As a result Wayne went on to star in 1974’s McQ followed by Brannigan a year later. The films were a departure for Wayne and the characters are essentially interchangeable. However, it’s clear in both that he was out of his element and sadly was doing little more than trying to stay relevant when he should stuck what he did best. Even a third Rooster Cogburn film would have been welcome over either of these two.

McQ, Mac-10
Wayne was also the first “action star” to use an Ingram MAC-10 on the big screen in the detective thriller McQ.

About the only thing especially memorable in the two detective films was the choice of firearms. In McQ Wayne used a Browning Hi-Power. However, he also used a MAC-10 submachine gun; this made Wayne the first “action star” to use the gun that later proved to be so popular with gang bangers and rappers. In Brannigan, Wayne apparently was also aiming to show that he could have played Harry Callahan when he carried a Colt Diamondback.

It’s perhaps best to forget about those films and focus instead on the Duke carrying that Single Action Army and Winchester Model 1892 while taking on the bad guys and riding off into the sunset at the end. That’s the John Wayne and his guns that we should always remember.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

With proper gun safety, incidents like the Alec Baldwin shooting wouldn't happen in Hollywood.

REPORT: ‘Rust’ Crew Willfully Violated Safety Rules in Shooting Death

Chris Pratt stars in Jack Carr's Terminal List.

VIDEO: Jack Carr’s ‘Terminal List,’ Starring Chris Pratt, Trailer Drops

With proper gun safety, incidents like the Alec Baldwin shooting wouldn't happen in Hollywood.

Haylna Hutchins Family Sues Alec Baldwin, ‘Rust’ Crew for Wrongful Death

Load More

CHECK OUT RELOADING ZONE SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

by Ballistic Staff
May 17, 2022
0

Long live the lever-gun! Marlin made a big announcement today, marking the return of the popular...

Read more

TRENDING

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods

We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

We rundown the best hunting rifles seen at SHOT Show 2022.

Here’s 15 of the Best Hunting Rifles Released at SHOT Show 2022

PICK A CATEGORY

SPOTLIGHT

The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

James Cameron’s Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) had a huge impact on me growing up. I credit...

SHOWCASE: TRAINING AND TACTICS

Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

Follow this guide to better shooting on the move.

SHOOTING 101: 3 Keys to Getting Hits While Shooting on the Move

Understanding eye dominance and both eyes open shooting will help you get on target.

VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

Molotov Cocktail defense, antifa

Molotov Cocktail 101: How They’re Made & How to Defend Against Them

How to Survive Waterboarding Torture

Waterboarding 101: What Is Waterboarding and How to Prepare Yourself

The Mantis Blackbeard.

VIDEO: The Mantis Blackbeard AR-15 Trigger Reset System for Dry Fire

What to do during a negligent discharge on the range.

Mister Manners: You’re Downrange Pasting Targets When Shots Are Fired

Riot Survival, Survival Tips, Riot Gear

Mister Manners: How to Avoid Trouble During a Violent Protest

site logo
The Premier Firearms & Survival Magazine
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
      • SIG Sauer
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • View All Lifestyle
  • People
  • Podcasts
  • Rides
  • Survival
  • Tactics & Training

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.