The Searchers

The Searchers (1956)

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.

Colt Single Action Army 7 1/2" Cavalry - .45 Long Colt.

Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) pulls his SAA.

Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter) draws his SAA as he protects Debbie Edwards (Natalie Wood).

Ethan with his SAA.

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 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine - .32WCF/.38-40/.44-40/.25-20.

Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) opens fire with the 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.

Winchester 1873 "Short Rifle" model with octagon barrel

On the left, the anachronistic Winchester 1873, which is held by Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter).

On the left, Martin fires the Winchester.

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. 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.

1840s era N.P. Ames-Jenks "Mule Ear" breechloader percussion carbine - .54 caliber.

Ol' Mose Harper (Hank Worden) holds the Jenks "Mule Ear" carbine. Note the barrel profile, bands, full stock, and the lack of a ramrod, confirming it is not a Springfield 1861 as previously identified.

Mose holds the Jenks carbine while riding. Note the distinctive "mule ear" hammer (circled in red).

On the right, Mose aims and fires his Jenks carbine. Note how he shoots left-handed, a recipe for pain with the Jenks carbine's right-mounted "mule ear" hammer.

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.