When you think of the iconic Hollywood Western, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is the six-shooter slung around the neck of John Wayne. With his imposing stature and natural charisma, he was the quintessential manly hero of the Golden Age of Hollywood Western movies. This classic Old West firearm has been handsomely decorated with artwork honoring America’s most beloved Western film legend.
The History and Significance of John Wayne’s Gun
Wayne was a prolific actor who appeared in more than 170 films and often had several Westerns in theaters at the same time. He was also a well-known gunslinger and could be seen with a wide variety of different pistols and rifles in his movies. However, there was one particular revolver and holster rig that he carried throughout most of his films, the Colt Single Action Army Model 1873. This revolver and holster are featured in many of the most famous John Wayne gun movies, including True Grit, Rooster Cogburn, and The Cowboys. It’s even the same revolver and holster depicted on the statue of the actor located at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.
In addition to his Colt SAA revolver, Wayne was also frequently seen with a Winchester 1892 saddle ring carbine. This rifle was particularly popular because it allowed him to easily perform the impressive rifle twirl he performed while riding horseback in his Western films. In fact, the ’92 carbine was so popular with the acting community that it was used in nearly every western film from the time it was introduced to the screen.