The Duke embodied true American grit and individualism both on and off screen. He was an American icon both to those who lived in the western United States and across the world.

The National Firearms Museum is proud to have several of the John Wayne pistols used in many of his films on display, including a Colt Single Action Army revolver, which was one of his personal favorites, and a Remington 1858 New Army rifle. In addition, the museum has on display a special edition John Wayne Peacemaker that is both an actual replica revolver and an air pistol.

The Legendary John Wayne Pistol: History and Specs

Wayne was a firearms realist, and even if the Hollywood industry glamourized 1,000-yard revolver shots in movies, he preferred to use the kind of guns cowboys actually used on the range. He carried a Winchester Model 92 in his role as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit and Rooster Cogburn II, and a specially engraved Colt first generation SA revolver (with fake ivories) in The Shootist.

In addition to the aforementioned revolvers, Wayne also used a number of other sidearms in various westerns. In Big Jake, he used a shortened American Gun Company double barreled shotgun with a.410 bore that he often called a “Greener.”

In his later roles, Wayne began to use the type of Colt Single Action he had been carrying on film for years. He also switched to a leather money belt and holster rig that he had been wearing in his earlier roles. It featured a Colt first generation SA with a mellow ivory-looking grip that was molded for his large hands, and a replacement trigger guard made to match the size of the revolver’s cylinder.