What Caliber was Quigley’s Rifle?
The 1990 film "Quigley Down Under" starring Tom Selleck as the titular character has become a cult classic among Western fans. The movie is set in the Australian outback in the late 1800s and features a lot of action, adventure, and gunplay. One of the most iconic aspects of the film is Quigley’s rifle, which is the central focus of the movie. But what caliber was Quigley’s rifle?
The Mystery Surrounding Quigley’s Rifle
The movie does not explicitly state the caliber of Quigley’s rifle, leaving fans and gun enthusiasts to speculate and debate. The rifle itself is a Winchester Model 1873, which was a popular lever-action rifle during the late 1800s. However, the caliber of the rifle is not mentioned in the movie or its marketing materials.
Research and Speculation
To determine the caliber of Quigley’s rifle, we need to look at the Winchester Model 1873 and its available calibers. The Winchester Model 1873 was chambered in several calibers, including:
•.44-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
•.38-40 WCF
•.32-20 WCF
•.22 Long Rifle
The most popular caliber for the Winchester Model 1873 was the.44-40 WCF, which was used for hunting and self-defense. This caliber was also commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel during the late 1800s.
Evidence from the Film
While the movie does not explicitly state the caliber of Quigley’s rifle, there are some clues that suggest it may have been chambered in.44-40 WCF. In one scene, Quigley is shown reloading his rifle, and the cartridges appear to be.44-40 WCF. Additionally, the rifle’s sights and stock appear to be typical of a.44-40 WCF Winchester Model 1873.
Historical Context
The Winchester Model 1873 was designed to be a versatile rifle that could be used for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. The.44-40 WCF caliber was chosen because it was effective for hunting large game, such as deer and buffalo, and was also suitable for self-defense.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, it is likely that Quigley’s rifle was chambered in.44-40 WCF. The Winchester Model 1873 was a popular rifle during the late 1800s, and the.44-40 WCF caliber was one of the most common and versatile calibers available at the time. While the movie does not explicitly state the caliber of Quigley’s rifle, the clues and historical context suggest that it was likely chambered in.44-40 WCF.
Comparison of Calibers
Here is a comparison of the available calibers for the Winchester Model 1873:
| Caliber | Ballistic Performance | Hunting Use |
|---|---|---|
| .44-40 WCF | 1,000-1,200 ft/lbs muzzle energy, 800-1,000 yards effective range | Suitable for hunting large game, such as deer and buffalo |
| .38-40 WCF | 600-800 ft/lbs muzzle energy, 500-700 yards effective range | Suitable for hunting smaller game, such as varmints and small game |
| .32-20 WCF | 400-600 ft/lbs muzzle energy, 300-500 yards effective range | Suitable for hunting small game and target shooting |
| .22 Long Rifle | 100-200 ft/lbs muzzle energy, 100-300 yards effective range | Suitable for target shooting and small game hunting |
As you can see, the.44-40 WCF caliber was a popular choice for hunting large game and self-defense, while the other calibers were better suited for smaller game or target shooting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the movie "Quigley Down Under" does not explicitly state the caliber of Quigley’s rifle, the available evidence and historical context suggest that it was likely chambered in.44-40 WCF. The Winchester Model 1873 was a popular rifle during the late 1800s, and the.44-40 WCF caliber was one of the most common and versatile calibers available at the time.
