An Arizona Ranger and Pinal County Sheriff ’s Colt goes to Hollywood in the hands of cowboy star George Montgomery.
It’s a firearms collector’s dream to find a gun that is well documented to have been owned or used by someone famous, or was involved in a historical incident. Back in 1975, I unknowingly came across a firearm that later turned out to have two famous owners. That year I found myself assisting Hollywood leading man George Montgomery with some historical details on cavalry equipment for a bronze he was sculpting. One day George showed me several of his guns. Among them was an exquisite, silver-plated and engraved 4¾-inch barreled .45 Colt Single Action Army revolver with pearl grips that had an eagle carved on the right side. The name “Jas. E. McGee” was inscribed on the back strap, but I had no idea who that was at the time.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of True West.
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This story is from the October 2018 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Where Did the Loot Go? - This is one of those find the money stories. And it's one that has attracted treasure hunters for more than 150 years.
Whatever happened to the $97,000 from the Reno Gang's last heist? Up to a dozen members of the Reno Gang stopped a Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis train at a watering station in southern Indiana. The outlaws had prior intelligence about its main load: express car safes held about $97,000 in government bonds and notes. In the process of the job, one of the crew was killed and two others hurt. The gang made a clean getaway with the loot.
Hero of Horsepower - Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
From the Basin to the Plains
Discover Wyoming on a road trip to Cody, Casper and Cheyenne.
COLLECTING AMERICAN OUTLAWS
Wilbur Zink has preserved the Younger Gang's history in more ways than one.
Spencer's West
After the Civil War, savvy frontiersmen chose the Spencer repeating carbine.
Firearms With a Storied Past
Rock Island gavels off high profits from historic firearms.
She Means Business!
An energetic and ambitious woman has come to Lincoln, New Mexico, to restore the town's legendary Ellis Store.
Ride that Train!
HERITAGE RAILROADS KEEP THE OLD WEST ALIVE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.
Saddle Up with a Western
Old West fiction and nonfiction are the perfect genres to fill your summer reading list.
RENEGADES OF THE RAILS
RAILROADS WERE OPEN SEASON FOR OKLAHOMA AND INDIAN TERRITORY OUTLAW GANGS.
