In a career that was both long and prolific, John Wayne appeared in over 50 movies. As a film icon, the Duke was known for his rugged good looks and big screen skills. But he was also a gun collector, owning numerous firearms and revolvers that he used on set. One of the most notable is a Colt Single Action Army that was used by Wayne in 1969’s True Grit and 1975’s Rooster Cogburn. It is up for sale at Rock Island Auctions.

The Classic John Wayne Revolver: An In-Depth Guide

The John Wayne revolver is a first-generation Model 1860 Colt Peacemaker with an engraved, silver-plated cylinder that is loaded with.44 WCF cartridges. It was altered with mellow ivory-looking Catalin grips that were custom molded to fit the Duke’s hands and a replacement holster strap. Wayne also used the revolver in such B-Westerns as Lucky Texan, Blue Steel, The Man from Utah, Lawless Frontier and Randy Rides Alone.

While the Rooster Cogburn revolver is perhaps the most recognizable of Wayne’s sidearms, the actor also toted a Winchester 1892 lever-action in films like Big Jake and Stagecoach. This gun was modified with oversized loops to accommodate Wayne’s large hands.

The late Michael Wayne, the Duke’s oldest son and producer of many of his dad’s movies, said that cinematographer A.J. “Archie” Stout gave this 51?2-inch barreled hog leg to his father after the Duke finished his contract with low-budget B-Westerns. The Duke later gave it to his son, who kept it in his collection for the rest of his life. Today, America Remembers honors the legacy of this American hero with a special edition John Wayne Tribute Revolver, which is available in an exclusive limited run of only 2,500 pieces. Each handgun features patriotic artwork celebrating the United States of America and stirring quotes from The Duke. The beautiful revolver is crafted by skilled artisans and elegantly decorated with 24-karat gold accents on the frame, trigger guard and hammer.