Winchester’s Tribute to the Legendary John Wayne

 

Winchester’s Tribute to the Legendary John Wayne

When we think of American Western icons, two things instantly come to mind; John Wayne and the Winchester Model 1894 rifle. It’s no surprise that when the Winchester released the Commemorative John Wayne Model 94 Carbine in 1981, it instantly became an icon for gun collectors and John Wayne aficionados. Not every firearm can say that its cultural impact is significant enough to be cataloged as part of the Smithsonian historical archive; but this one can.

The Commemorative John Wayne Model 94 rifle series was created to honor the memory of John Wayne, an icon of rugged, American individualism and the adventure of the great westward expansion during the good old days of the cowboys and outlaw gunslingers. The symbol of cowboy culture and lifestyle in American cinema, his trusty lever-action Winchester Model 94 kept the peace and made the outlaws think twice or sent them to their graves.

John Wayne often used this rifle with an over-sized loop lever, which allowed him to cock the rifle by spinning it around on his hand. “The Duke” used this rifle and technique in numerous films, including the climax of “True Grit” where he charges at Ned Pepper’s gang with a Single Action Army in one hand, the Winchester in the other and the reins in his teeth.
With the help of the John Wayne family, the Winchester team created an authentic rifle that honors the man, his legend and the style of rifle that he used in so many of his films. The rifle was, of course, a Winchester Model 94 with a special large loop lever, a special 19″ barrel and classic carbine styling. Added to this is a beautiful gray nitride receiver and lever along with a forged medallion honoring John Wayne, inletted in the stock.