If John Wayne were alive today, you can bet your last round of .45 Colt that he wouldn’t be walking around with some flimsy, polymer carry gun. The Duke carried steel, wood, and guns that meant business.
If the modern world forced him to swap out his Peacemaker and Winchester for something new, you’d better believe he’d stick with tried-and-true firepower. No tacticool nonsense, no frills—just rock-solid guns that are built to last and hit hard. If John Wayne were strapping on a holster or throwing a rifle in the truck today, these are the guns he’d reach for.
Colt Python .357 Magnum
The Python is about as smooth as a revolver gets. With a crisp trigger, heavy frame, and near-perfect balance, it’s the kind of gun that fits naturally in your hand. The Duke was known for carrying big iron, and a .357 Magnum six-shooter with a long barrel would suit him just fine. Whether it’s for personal defense or taking care of varmints on the ranch, the Python’s got the accuracy and power to get the job done.
Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt
If you want a modern revolver that still looks like it belongs in a saddle holster, the Vaquero is it. This single-action workhorse is built tough and fires the same .45 Colt rounds as the old-school Peacemakers. The Duke wouldn’t be the type to ditch tradition, and the Vaquero would let him keep that classic cowboy feel while packing a gun that can take some serious abuse.
Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum
John Wayne wasn’t Dirty Harry, but if he wanted a revolver with some real authority, the Model 29 would be a solid choice. This gun is heavy, hits hard, and isn’t for the faint of heart. The .44 Magnum can handle anything from two-legged troublemakers to four-legged predators. The Duke wouldn’t carry it just for show—he’d carry it because it works.
Colt Single Action Army (Modern Reproduction)
There’s no way John Wayne wouldn’t have a Peacemaker. Whether it’s a new-production Colt or a high-quality replica, this gun is pure Old West. It’s got that classic single-action hammer, smooth lines, and a grip that just feels right. If the Duke had to pick one handgun to take back to the Alamo, this would be it.
Marlin 1895 SBL .45-70
John Wayne carried a lever-action rifle in most of his movies, and if he were riding into the modern world, he’d still have one. The Marlin 1895 SBL is a big-bore beast chambered in .45-70, ready to take down anything in North America. It’s got stainless steel for durability, a side-loading gate for fast reloads, and enough stopping power to put a grizzly on its back. This would be the Duke’s go-to rifle for ranch duty and hunting big game.
Henry Big Boy X Model .44 Magnum
If John Wayne wanted a lever-action with a little more versatility, the Henry Big Boy X in .44 Magnum would make a fine addition. It’s got that old-school action but with modern upgrades like synthetic furniture and a threaded barrel. It’s handy, fast, and packs enough punch to handle just about anything. The Duke wouldn’t just carry a rifle for show—he’d want something that works, and Henry makes sure of that.
Browning Hi-Power 9mm
If the Duke ever had to carry an automatic pistol, he wouldn’t grab just any plastic-fantastic 9mm off the shelf. He’d go with something that has a real fighting history, like the Browning Hi-Power. This gun served in militaries all over the world, has a smooth trigger, and carries more rounds than any revolver. It’s a real shooter’s pistol, and if John Wayne was forced to step into the modern era, the Hi-Power would probably be his pick.
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP .45 ACP
John Wayne and the 1911 just make sense. It’s an American warfighter’s pistol, it hits hard, and it’s built to last. The Springfield TRP is a no-nonsense version of the classic, with a crisp trigger and the kind of reliability you want in a serious fighting gun. If the Duke needed a semi-auto for today’s world, he wouldn’t look twice at anything chambered in a “compromise caliber.” He’d grab a .45 ACP and get to work.
Benelli M4 Tactical 12 Gauge
Even John Wayne would appreciate the value of a good shotgun, and the Benelli M4 is about as good as they come. This is a combat shotgun built for real-world scenarios. It’s tough, reliable, and cycles faster than just about anything else out there. Whether for home defense, dealing with predators on the ranch, or taking care of business when things go sideways, the Duke would approve of this one.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
