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The Searchers
The Searchers is the classic 1956 Western directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne as Ethan Edwards, an aged Confederate Civil War veteran who is determined to find his niece (Natalie Wood) who was kidnapped by Comanche Indians. The film takes place only three years following the Civil War, yet features several anachronistic firearms.
The following weapons were used in the film The Searchers:
Colt Single Action Army
Several characters use Colt Single Action Army revolvers as their sidearms in the film including Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) and Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter) which is anachronistic as the movie is set three years after the American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Colt SAA did not appear until 1873.
Winchester 1892
Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) rifle of choice is a Winchester Model 1892, which is anachronistic to the film, as the Winchester 1892 was not manufactured until decades later.
Winchester 1873
Another weapon anachronistic to the movie is the Winchester 1873, which is used by lawmen and Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter). Scar is seen holding one as he approaches Pawley, but is gunned down by Pawley before he can use it.
N.P. Ames-Jenks "Mule Ear" Carbine
Ol' Mose Harper (Hank Worden) uses an old Jenks "Mule Ear" Carbine. This old breech-loading, percussion carbine was manufactured by the N.P. Ames company of Springfield, Massachusetts for the U.S. Navy between 1843 and 1846. Approximately 4,250 were produced. It got its name from the odd shape of its hammer, which was mounted strictly on the right side of the gun and was cocked by pulling it outward to the right rather than rearward like a traditional hammer. While the rear of the gun (specifically the hammer) isn't very well seen in the film, the overall profile of the gun is unmistakable to anyone familiar with the Jenks. There have been reproductions of this gun offered in more recent times, but there weren't any being made at the time of filming, meaning this is likely an original. A fun bit of trivia is that Mose shoots this gun left-handed, which must've been quite painful considering any gas and/or percussion cap shards would be propelled to the right of the gun.....right where his face would be.
single barreled shotgun
A single barreled shotgun is carried by Aaron Edwards before the Comanche attack. It is also seen above the doorway of their home earlier in the movie.