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Author Topic: John Wayne lever action use.  (Read 2016 times)

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Offline fitzhugh

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John Wayne lever action use.
« on: July 30, 2008, 12:05:47 PM »
Can anyone please help. While down at the local gun shop  we were discussing the new winchester 44-40 on the rack. It had the short barrel and large lever loop made famous by the duke in his movies. Some one remarked the the barrel was short enough to spin around upon firing a la True Grit. My comment was "how does a cartridge stay in the action since it is  gravity fed." Major discussion followed. No one could prove they were right. Does anyone know for sure? It always seemed like a Hollywood invention to me. Inquiring minds want to know. (plus beer is riding on the answer.)
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2008, 02:02:25 AM »
its a stunt done with blanks. Im sure they pieced the film together to make it look like it was possible.
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Offline Keith L

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2008, 02:40:26 AM »
There was a post some time ago about this and I don't have time to search for it.  Apparently the rifle used was some kind of stunt gun with a plunger added that allowed the twirling.  The movies were done with blanks, but apparently the gun could shoot live rounds.  I wouldn't want to be in the same county with someone trying that with live ronds.
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Offline Blackhawk44

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2008, 01:03:48 PM »
Chuck Connors rifles' had a plunger installed above the chamber at the direction of his instructor, Rodd Redwing, to keep the round from flying off the carrier.  His rifles also had full 20" barrels since he was over 3" taller than the Duke.  The Duke had shortened barrels and forearms on his big loops.  Mr. Wayne's flying cartridges were handled by empty rifles and creative editing.  I am still looking, but have yet to find the Duke fire a round in an unbroken scene that included a rifle twirl.   For full explantion on Conner's rifles, go here http://www.riflemansrifle.com/the_riflemans_rifle.htm.   Final note-the original 5 in 1 blanks came in 1/2 power for closed stage use and full power for outdoor use.  While both were dangerous, the full power's danger zone was measured in yards. 
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Offline mannyrock

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2008, 03:18:07 PM »
  The John Wayne lever loop is male fantasy junk.  I am dumbfounded at the number of people who buy rifles with these, and the number of people who have their regular levers replaced with these.  They rank right up there with fantasy swords.
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Offline victorcharlie

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2008, 03:48:37 PM »
WHAT?

SAY IT AIN'T SO! ???

Aw man, yall done it now.  Ya done busted my image of an american hero....

Aw Man....naw....say it ain't so!
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Offline no guns here

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2008, 12:58:32 AM »
Yep, not much real use in them but they look cool and I'll have to buy me one some day... it'll be slower to cycle but hey, I'm not fast anyway.  I still want one...


ngh
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Offline Rangr44

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2008, 03:24:57 PM »
Well.....................A large loop DOES make a levergun operable in freezing weather by a shooter wearing mittens !................And by one with hands like Paul Bunyan.  ;)

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Offline ArkyKen

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Re: John Wayne lever action use.---Steve McQueen's Mare's Leg
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2008, 04:21:03 PM »
Guess Steve McQueen's Mare's Leg was the first assalt rifle
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