What rifle did quigley use?

What Rifle Did Quigley Use?

Introduction

The legendary 1965 Western film "The Shootist" directed by Don Siegel is a must-watch for any fan of the genre. The movie tells the story of J.B. Books, a notorious gunfighter played by John Wayne, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is trying to retire and live out his final days in peace. Another iconic character in the movie is Quigley, a skilled hunter and gunsmith played by Tomsy Havoc. Quigley is known for his exceptional marksmanship and his trusty rifle, which has become a topic of interest among firearms enthusiasts.

What Rifle Did Quigley Use?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there is some debate among fans and historians about the type of rifle Quigley used in the movie. However, according to various sources, including the film’s production notes and interviews with the cast and crew, Quigley used a Winchester Model 1886 lever-action rifle.

Here are some key features of the Winchester Model 1886:

• Action: Lever-action
• Caliber: Various calibers were available, including.45-70 Government,.40-65 Winchester, and.38-56 Winchester
• Barrel length: 24 inches (610 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 8 pounds (3.6 kg)
• Magazine capacity: 6 rounds

The Winchester Model 1886 was a popular rifle during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a suitable choice for Quigley’s character.

Why the Winchester Model 1886?

So, why did the filmmakers choose the Winchester Model 1886 for Quigley’s character? There are a few reasons:

• Historical accuracy: The Winchester Model 1886 was a real rifle that was used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a fitting choice for a character like Quigley who is a skilled hunter and gunsmith.
• Aesthetics: The Winchester Model 1886 has a distinctive appearance, with its long barrel and lever-action mechanism. This made it a visually striking choice for the character of Quigley.
• Practicality: The Winchester Model 1886 was a rugged and reliable rifle that would have been suitable for the rugged terrain and hunting expeditions depicted in the movie.

Other Rifles Considered

While the Winchester Model 1886 is widely accepted as the rifle used by Quigley, there are some reports that other rifles were considered for the role. Some of these include:

• Winchester Model 1894: This rifle was also a popular choice during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it has a similar appearance to the Model 1886.
• Marlin Model 1881: This rifle was another contender for the role of Quigley’s rifle, although it is less widely recognized as a possible choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rifle used by Quigley in the 1965 film "The Shootist" is widely accepted as the Winchester Model 1886. This rifle was a popular choice during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its distinctive appearance and rugged reliability make it a fitting choice for a character like Quigley. While other rifles were considered for the role, the Winchester Model 1886 is the most widely recognized and accepted choice.

Table: Comparison of Rifles Considered

Bullets:

• The Winchester Model 1886 is a lever-action rifle that was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The rifle was chosen for its historical accuracy, aesthetics, and practicality.
• Other rifles considered for the role of Quigley’s rifle include the Winchester Model 1894 and the Marlin Model 1881.
• The Winchester Model 1886 is widely recognized as the rifle used by Quigley in the 1965 film "The Shootist".