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All too often, it seems, you’ll hear guys balk at the price of match ammunition and decide it’s just not worth it and instead focus on cheaper target ammo and claim that it works just the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, low-cost target ammunition has its place in the market, but its intended purpose is never to achieve long-range accuracy. And it shows.

Match Grade Ammo

Prices between match-grade ammo and standard ammo are vastly different. Many of the pricing fluctuations boil down to quality control, aiding in the consistency of each shot. Consistency with each shot from an external ballistic standpoint means that there is less deviation of the rounds upon impacting the target or near the target area. These considerations aside from individual marksmanship are usually the difference between an impact or miss. Understanding the importance of why match ammo is a wise choice for long-range shooting will aid the shooter in consistency with targeting and identifying issues that may arise.

Understanding the reasons why match-grade ammunition is important to buy and use in training long-range shooting is essential for anyone looking to engage targets at extended ranges. Match-grade ammunition is specifically designed to meet the demands of long-range shooting. Match-grade ammunition is manufactured to very high-quality control standards, ensuring that every round meets very precise specifications. This level of consistency is crucial when it comes to long-range shooting because it minimizes the variables that can affect accuracy, such as bullet velocity and trajectory. For those who are serious about long-range shooting, eliminating these variables can mean the difference between a hit and a miss. The ammunition is designed with accuracy in mind. Bullet profiles and weights are carefully chosen to provide the best possible ballistic performance, resulting in flatter trajectories and increased accuracy over longer distances. These precision-matched bullets also tend to have extremely low standard deviations in velocity and pressure, which further contributes to their consistency and accuracy.

Quality matters

Non-match-grade ammunition refers to ammunition that is not specifically designed for precision shooting or competition. This type of ammunition is often used for recreational shooting or general self-defense purposes. Deviations and inconsistencies can occur with non-match grade ammunition which includes variations in bullet weight, bullet shape, powder charge, and primer ignition. These factors can lead to variations in muzzle velocity, accuracy, and overall performance.

Additionally, the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process can vary between assorted brands and manufacturers, which can further affect the performance of non-match-grade ammunition. It is important for shooters to understand the limitations of non-match grade ammunition and to choose ammunition that is appropriate for their firearm and intended use. Regular practice and testing can also help identify potential issues with ammunition and ensure the rounds are consistently achieving their desired level of accuracy and performance.

BC Values

Ballistic coefficient (BC) is the measure of a bullet’s ability to maintain velocity in flight. It is a calculated value that considers the bullet weight, shape, and drag characteristics. A higher BC value means the bullet will maintain its velocity better, thus traveling farther and with less drop due to gravity. Typically, bullets with higher BC values are preferred for long-range shooting, as they offer better accuracy and consistent bullet trajectory over greater distances.

Quality Control

One of the benefits of using match-grade ammunition for practice and training is that it allows shooters to practice with the same ammunition they will use in competition or other real-world scenarios. This ensures that they are familiar with the behavior of their ammunition in various conditions and can make accurate predictions about how the bullet will perform at different distances and under different environmental conditions. Additionally, match-grade ammunition tends to be cleaner burning than standard ammunition, which contributes to the longevity and reliability of firearms. Because they are manufactured to higher standards, match-grade rounds tend to be more reliable and consistent in function, minimizing the chances of malfunctions or misfires. While match-grade ammunition can be an investment, the investment into using quality ammunition is essential for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and precision at long ranges.

Dirty by the Dozen

The use of cheap, “dirty” ammunition can have detrimental effects on rifle barrels and your overall accuracy potential. Dirty ammunition is typically made with inferior materials and often contains a higher level of impurities, which can cause fouling and corrosion over time. Fouling is the term used to describe the buildup of combustion byproducts inside the rifle barrel after firing. When firing cheap ammunition, this buildup can occur more rapidly and can be increasingly difficult to remove, even with routine cleaning and maintenance. The accumulation of fouling can cause a range of problems, including decreased accuracy and precision, increased recoil, and a shortened lifespan for the barrel.

Corrosion is another issue that can occur with the use of low-quality ammunition. The presence of impurities or moisture in the ammunition can react with the metal of the barrel, causing rust and pitting. Corrosion can, in the worst cases, cause irreparable damage to the barrel, requiring complete replacement.

Another issue that can arise from the use of cheap ammunition is excessive wear on the barrel. This can happen if the bullet is not properly sized to fit the bore of the barrel, causing it to rub against the rifling. Over time, this can result in a loss of accuracy and cause the barrel to become unsafe to fire. While it might be tempting to save a few bucks by using cheap ammunition, the potential damage to your rifle’s barrel is not worth the cost savings. Invest in quality ammunition that is designed to work with your rifle, and you will be rewarded with improved accuracy, increased reliability, and a longer lifespan for your firearm.

In short, it’s wise and highly advisable that you invest in quality ammunition, especially when long-range accuracy is the goal. It’s more costly in the short term than cheap target ammo, but is it really worth sacrificing the reliability, safety, or accuracy potential of your rifle? 

Think of a funnel. What does it do? Well, it has a larger opening that allows you to drop your item into a smaller opening with ease. That is exactly what a flared magwell does on both a pistol and rifle. The larger opening helps with inserting a magazine into the magwell. It is truly as simple as that. Flared magwells are helpful both on the AR platform and the pistol platform for recreational gun handling and competition.

Inserting the Magazine

When we insert a magazine, the ergonomics can be a bit awkward and some issues can make magazine insertion go slower. For instance, many shooters will either insert the mag too far forward in the magwell or too far to the rear, essentially hitting the frame of the pistol, instead of the opening. If we open up that magwell just a bit, it allows for some angle at reloading. Just apply pressure to push and seat the magazine.

The Burkette Drill

A really great drill for this is called the Burkette Drill, sometimes called “Just the Tip.” This drill is a simple drill that specifically focuses on the start of inserting the mag into the magwell, but not the entire insertion. This drill is great to compare standard and flared pistol magwells, as far as what really helps find the opening for your magazine.

Guns with Machined-In Flared Magwells

Not only is a flared magwell an option to add to guns, but many companies are starting to manufacture guns with a flared magwell. For instance, the Sig P320-XTEN, a 10mm pistol, and other X-series pistols have a wider magwell and a bit of a flare to the opening as well. It’s a magwell upgrade right out of the box.

A lot of lower receivers on the AR platform also have a wider magwell built into the gun. On the Vltor lower receiver in the photo below, the magwell flares out just a bit. T funnel-like shape creates a wider opening.

How To Find a Flared Magwell

If you have a firearm that doesn’t have a built-in enhanced magwell, there are many great aftermarket options out there.

A couple of notes before purchasing: When you’re looking for a flared magwell, make sure you know and understand the applications of its flare and the actual size of the opening. There are different sizes. For instance, if you are carrying concealed, you may want a smaller one compared to a larger one you’d run in competition.  There are also different weights of magwells, and some can add up to 7 oz. to the gun.

Also, ensure that the magwell can fit with the basepad on your magazine. Sometimes, after a magwell is installed, the magazine cannot be fully inserted because the basepad is too thick and catches the new magwell.

Pistol Magwells

Since all pistols are different, these magwells will be designed according to the pistol. Ensure that you research your type of pistol for the correct magwell. There are many aftermarket magwells out there for Glocks. However, as you go into more specialty pistols you will need to specifically search for those custom magwells.

The Tyrant Designs Magwell for Glock is specific to generation and model. Options include Glock 19/23 Gen 5, Glock 19/23 Gen 3-4, and Glock 43X/48.

Another magwell to look at is the Zev Technologies Magwell for Glock. Options include Standard, Pro, Pro Plus for Glock Full Size or Compact.

Rifle Magwells

Aftermarket magwells are a little more standard due to the AR-15 platform becoming more and more standardized across manufacturers (hopefully). HRF Concepts offers options for the Aero M4E1, Sig MCX/Virtus/Rattler, and Mil-Spec.

Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) Magwells

Enhanced magwells for the PCC are a little harder to come by and may take some searching. PCC Techwells are available in a ton of options, for almost every AR manufacturer out there.

Installing a Flared Magwell

Aftermarket magwells are usually pretty easy to install and just take a couple of screws. There are some things that you may want to watch out for when installing your parts though.

Pistol

Installing a flared magwell on a pistol usually involves screwing a brass piece into the backstrap with a set screw. Then, install the magwell to that piece and around the frame with another screw. These magwells can be tight, so it may take some finesse to start the screw and fully tighten the magwell to the frame.

Do your best to not cross-thread the screw as it is small and easy to do. Also do not overtighten the magwell around the frame of the gun. This can cause issues with dropping your magazine.

After fully installing your part test your magwell to ensure that your intended magazines fully seat and drop freely.

Rifle

Rifle aftermarket magazine wells can be finicky when it comes to certain lower receivers. For instance, I once installed a Lancer magwell on a Sionics lower receiver and it was so tight that it put pressure on the magwell and didn’t let magazines drop freely. Later, I installed an HRF Concepts magwell and it fit fine. This doesn’t mean that the part is bad or your lower receiver is bad, it just means that they don’t mesh well together.

Usually, rifle magwells are two pieces that are seated by two screws. They operate by hugging the magwell. Make sure that you do not overtighten these screws as that can damage both the magwell and your lower receiver.

After installing be sure to check that your intended magazines seat fully and drop freely.

Flared Magwell Uses and Applications

Remember, enhanced magwells can be used both for recreational shooting and competitive shooting. The coolest thing? They don’t really wear out.

If used for recreational shooting or during training courses, flared magwells are a great way to make reloading easier. That helps keep you focused on other things during a course such as putting good shots on target. In competitive shooting, such as Multi-Gun most competitors run flared magwells for the competitive edge that they bring, without a huge price tag.

A way to reload faster, doesn’t cost a fortune, doesn’t wear out, and is easy to install at home? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

The “Deadpool” movies just might be some of the most entertaining action movies ever, at least if you’re into getting your action with a side of sarcasm. Although the movies are technically based on the Marvel comics antihero, Ryan Reynolds and team do a fair bit of freestyling. A lot of guns show up throughout the two movies, and we’re here to share some notable pew pew moments with you. After all, “Deadpool” might enjoy his Deagles, but there’s more to the antihero than hefty handguns alone.

Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX

Let’s get this one out of the way. Yes, Deadpool spends a lot of time running his set of Desert Eagle Mark XIXs. Would you really expect another model of handgun for a wise-cracking antihero? Probably not. His signature Deagles aren’t nearly as personalized as the ones floating around the internet in his honor and, in fact, appear to be mostly stock pistols. It seems safe to assume Deadpool’s guns are chambered in the traditional 50 AE although that model is also offered in 44 Magnum.

The Desert Eagle Mark XIX in 50 AE has a 7-round capacity, something that’s a little hit or miss in the movies, but in this case, who’s really counting shots fired? Deadpool manages to shoot his Deagles one-handed, sideways, falling through the air, and countless other ways. Not only are they his signature guns, but they’re also apparently inherently precise and the not-insignificant recoil is no big deal to him.

Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket

To prove it isn’t all about handguns large enough to double as bludgeons, we have the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol. In the first “Deadpool” movie, our antihero finds himself in need of a handgun during a fight. A character by the name of Blind Al just happens to have one tucked in her boot. So yes, it has to be easily concealed, and it does have pearl-handled grips. Interestingly, instead of choosing something like a derringer or other small gun, the directors/writers chose a Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket. Deadpool uses it to deal with Ajax after examining it rather incredulously.

The Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket was, as you might have guessed, produced starting in 1908. It’s a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol with a six-shot capacity. This is a pistol that’s best for extreme close-quarters use which definitely fits the scenario mentioned above because Deadpool was sitting on Ajax when he has the diminutive gun. This pistol was first made for carry in a gentleman’s vest pocket and has been out of production since 1948.

Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited

Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited

The first “Deadpool” movie came out in 2016, but it did include what were basically flashbacks to the lead character’s life prior to becoming an antihero. In those scenes, one of the guns Ryan Reynolds wields as Wade Wilson, which was Deadpool’s name before he transformed, is a fascinating choice. It’s a Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited. Now, it’s worth mentioning here that you have to remember Para Ordnance hasn’t been a thing in a long time. The company made the leap to Para USA in 2009, was bought up by Remington in 2012, and officially ceased to exist in 2015. So, why this gun?

The Para Ordnance P14.45 is pretty recognizable and, frankly, is a great gun (Para really did make some awesome stuff). It was designed in 1980 as a spinoff of sorts of the military’s M1911. The gun’s caliber is in its name (yes, it’s a 45 ACP) and it has a 14 +1 capacity, so you know it’s pretty bulky. What’s nice about that kind of weight is that, along with the steel frame, it offsets felt recoil. Basically, this is an accurate gun, and although we might expect Wade to have something like the Para in 10mm, he does seem partial to heavier guns. This one weighs more than two pounds empty and is a Government size 1911, meaning it has the requisite 5-inch barrel.

Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1

In the second “Deadpool” it seems like we see a lot more unique firearms (and yes, they’re real models). For instance, the character named Weasel has an Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1, which is a double-barreled 1911. He draws it during a fight of sorts with another character, a villain named Cable, and it’s pretty memorable. After all, you don’t see a lot of 1911s with multiple barrels.

The Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1 does indeed have two barrels and it does exist. It’s mostly seen in movies and video games, but we’re sure there are people out there who own one. The easiest way to describe it is a conjoined twin 1911. There are two barrels, two triggers, two magazines, and so on. However, they are connected, so you can fire both barrels simultaneously. This gun is chambered in 45 ACP but has also been produced in 38 Super. There are quite a few variants out there including the Dueller, which has 6.5-inch barrels. It’s even been used in a YouTube video by none other than Jerry Miculek. (In Jerry’s video, he fires two at the same time with his usual stunning speed.)

Weasel’s choice of guns is certainly flashy and bound to make an impression. The only thing that might make even more of an impression would be a gun with four barrels and yes, that gun does exist. It just hasn’t found its way into a “Deadpool” movie…yet.

Walther PPQ Q5

The bad guys in the “Deadpool” movies also have quite an assortment of guns. In the second movie, the villain, Cable, wields a lot of different weapons. Among them is a Walther PPQ Q5 Match, which is a solid pistol if a little surprising for a bad guy Of course, it’s accurate and comfortable to shoot, so maybe it shows that Cable is a logical bad guy?

Walther’s PPQ Q5 Match is chambered in 9mm and has a standard 15-round capacity. It’s a steel-framed gun and its weight helps mitigate felt recoil, which is one of the things that gives it an edge for accuracy. The slide is also ported for the same reason and it’s optics ready, although Cable doesn’t bother with the red dots in the movie. It really is a nice pistol, so even though Cable is technically a bad guy, we have to applaud his good taste in handguns. Walther makes some fantastic firearms.

What’s your favorite “Deadpool” gun moment? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.

There simply is not a more iconic actor of Old West movies than John Wayne. It doesn’t even matter what your age is, you know who John Wayne was and are probably familiar with a few of his movies. According to movie critics, he starred in no less than 169 feature-length films, and that doesn’t even touch on his television roles (among other things). Throughout those movies, John Wayne showcased a lot of memorable gun moments. We picked our top five movie moments where his gun use was an extra layer of cool for your enjoyment. Haven’t seen these movies? Maybe you should.

1. The Snake Pit in “True Grit”

If you’re only familiar with the remake of “True Grit,” it’s definitely time to remedy that situation. The movie first came out in 1969 with Wayne playing Rooster Cogburn, of course. In the movie, Wayne’s chasing an outlaw by the name of Tom Chaney. He’s doing this for a girl named Mattie whose father was murdered by Chaney (Mattie pays him for this service, proving her own cleverness in the process). Toward the end of the movie, Mattie falls into a random pit full of skeletons and rattlesnakes, because of course she does.

As John Wayne lowers himself into the pit to rescue Mattie she’s bitten by a snake. He uses his Colt Single Action Army to shoot the snake with fantastic precision and saves her. The guns blazing into a pit full of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes scene is a great one. During the course of the movie, Wayne used three different Colt SAA guns, two of which he rented specifically for the movie. One rental was chambered in .44-40 WCF and the other in 45 Colt. The third was his personal Colt SAA chambered in .44-40 WCF, and that’s a gun he used in quite a few of his movies. It’s unknown which gun he was using in the snake pit scene.

2. Nitroglycerin and a river raft in “Rooster Cogburn”

It seems appropriate to mention a dramatic gun scene from “Rooster Cogburn” since it was the sequel to “True Grit.” As its title suggests, it follows the adventures of Rooster Cogburn once again. The movie was filmed in 1975 and featured Katharine Hepburn as Wayne’s co-star. In the spirit of its film predecessor, “Rooster Cogburn” follows the character of the same name and he is once again helping someone whose father was murdered by outlaws. This time, Wayne is helping Hepburn’s character retrieve her deceased father’s shipment of nitroglycerin.

There’s a lot of firepower in this one but the most memorable gun moment has to be the one that took place on a raft in the middle of a river. At that point in the movie, Wayne and Hepburn have recovered the nitroglycerin. Not only is it on the raft, but so is a Gatling gun. Now remember, nitroglycerin is super sensitive to movement and temperature, so it’s bad enough jostling it around on a raft. Add a firefight and you have what should be a recipe for disaster. Somehow Wayne manages to run the Gatling gun while on the raft with the nitroglycerin. He does it to fend off the bad guys who are safely on dry land (so if the nitro had exploded, they likely would’ve survived, but Wayne wouldn’t have been so lucky).

3. The Forbidden Gun in “Brannigan”

If you’re at all familiar with the teachings of the late Col. Jeff Cooper, you’ve likely heard the quote where he said that the first rule of a gunfight is having a gun. After all, if you don’t have a gun, you can’t defend yourself. In the movie “Brannigan,” which came out in 1975, Wayne plays the title character who is a Chicago cop who’s sent to London to apprehend an American bad guy and get him back to the States. Cops have guns, right? Well, not in London. In fact, it wasn’t until the mid-90s that Scotland Yard began allowing a select few “specially trained” law enforcement officers to have handguns. This has to do with the Police and Criminal Act 1984 and the Human Rights Act 1998, but that’s a whole other story.

In “Brannigan,” Wayne manages to have a gun on him in London. He does this much to the displeasure of his Scotland Yard contact, Commander Charles Swann. After all, British officers didn’t and still typically do not carry handguns, so Wayne having one was a problem. Despite that, his character hangs onto his handgun and uses it against the bad guys as needed (amidst much complaint from Swann). The gun in question is a Colt Diamondback, a revolver chambered in 38 Special. Take it from John Wayne: if you don’t have a gun, you can’t defend your life against people determined to maim or kill you.

4. Kids Should Shoot, Too, in “Big Jake”

The movie “Big Jake” is epic for many reasons, but the picture above illustrates a great moment. In the movie, Wayne plays Big Jake (of course). His ex-wife, played by Maureen O’Hara, asks for help when her grandson is kidnapped by a gang. When the gang kidnaps the grandson, they also murder many of her ranch hands. Feeling she has no choice, she gets Big Jake to go after the gang and get her grandson back.

This one’s a family affair. Along with John Wayne as Big Jake, there’s his real-life son Patrick Wayne portraying his son James and his real-life grandson, Ethan Wayne, playing the kidnapped boy. During the first part of the movie, there’s a moment you don’t realize the relevance of until later. Big Jake is checking his shotguns and spots his Remington 1866 derringer, after which he remarks to his ex-wife how happy he is it’s there because you just can’t be too careful. It’s during the final firefight the derringer’s use becomes clear.

Big Jake has managed to get the boy back from the gang (and yes, it’s his grandson he didn’t know existed). Of course, they aren’t clear yet, the gang has them pinned down in a firefight. Realizing he needs to ensure the boy can defend himself should the need arise, Big Jake pulls out his derringer. He asks the boy if he’s ever fired a gun, and to use it if he has to do so. Why is this important? Because far too often, people treat kids as though they’re helpless and incapable of defending themselves in any way, let alone with a gun. The fact that Big Jake decides the boy should have some sort of gun as protection speaks volumes. Kids should know how to safely operate firearms. There have been real-life cases where it mattered in a self-defense situation, typically during a home invasion.

5. What it Takes, “The Shootist”

Considering the fact that “The Shootist” was John Wayne’s final film, it seems a must-mention for this list. It’s also an excellent movie. In “The Shootist,” Wayne plays J.B. Books, an elderly gunfighter dying of cancer (so yes, reality mirrored the movie, or vice versa). He’s hoping to live out the remainder of his life quietly, but of course, he ends up facing a final duel. In the course of that, he gives a young man named Gillom, who’s played by Ron Howard, a few tips and lessons on firearms and gunfights. Books allows Gillom to fire his prized Great Western revolver (one of a matched set). As it turns out, Gillom’s a fair shot, and this conversation follows:

The second installment of the Yellowstone origin stories has wrapped up its first season with the “1923” limited series. Like its counterpart in “1883,” “1923” featured some really neat firearms, some historically accurate, and some maybe not so much.

For those who might not fully know, “1923” follows the next generation of the Dutton family on the Montana homestead that was featured at the end of “1883.” In this version, we see Jacob Dutton, the brother of James from “1883,” and his wife Cora, along with John and Jack Dutton, the sons of James living through the year in Montana and across Africa.

One of the major arching themes of “1923” as a whole is the struggle between technological advancements and tradition. This can be witnessed in scenes with characters on horseback while period cars rumble by, and in the presence of historical firearms and newer options.

What rifles are seen in the 1923 Yellowstone Origin Story?

Quite a few, actually, ranging from the Winchester 94 to a double-barreled H&H, as well as the Lee Enfield and some World War I rifles. Here’s a look.

Winchester 94

The main rifle used in “1923” is the Winchester 94 carbine. This carbine was invented by John Browning in 1894 and offered an affordable and reliable carbine that was often chambered in the smokeless .30-.30 cartridge during that time period. The lever action rifle was definitely one of the more popular hunting rifles available thanks to the lighter weight and compact profile that was quick to shoot.

Portrayed in “1923,” the Winchester 94 is used readily and accurately in many shooting scenes. The ones shown on screen may be a later model, like the 1940s “flat band” rifle that has a similar butt plate and sights. While seen as old-fashioned even in 1923, it would certainly be right at home with the men on the ranges of Montana.

Additionally, the rifles shown match up with what the “Yellowstone” protagonist, John Dutton III, regularly uses, illustrating how these rifles were often handed down within families with many around still today. As a side note, the rifle that is used on “Yellowstone” is an actual family heirloom of actor Kevin Costner, who stated in different interviews that the Winchester 94 that he uses on-screen was his father’s.

Holland & Holland Double Rifle

The Holland & Holland Double Rifle makes its appearance in “1923” in the Spencer Dutton storyline. In it, he is a World War I vet traveling in Africa working as a hunter of large maneaters, like lions and such. His weapon of choice in the first episode is the Holland & Holland Double Rifle. This rifle was historically chambered in several large calibers like .375 H&H Magnum, .470 Nitro, .500 Nitro, .577 Nitro, and .600 Nitro.

While the rifle he carries in the show doesn’t seem to match up exactly with the rifles at the time, it is most likely aimed at being similar enough to convey the feeling, if that makes sense. Since he was employed by a British company, his Holland & Holland seems like the natural fit. So while the rifle might be a dead-on match, it does help illustrate the large game hunting era of the time in Africa.

Lee-Enfield No. 1 MkIII*

In other scenes from the Spencer Dutton storyline, the character is seen with a Lee-Enfield No. MkIII* rifle. This rifle was essentially a simplified version of the MKIII used by the British Commonwealth during WWI, chambered in .303 British. This bolt action rifle has a 25” barrel length with updated sights, a different cocking piece, and a magazine cutoff. This rifle would continue to see use after WWI and into WWII and beyond.

WWI Rifles

The Spencer Dutton character, as a veteran of World War I, experiences some flashbacks to his time during the war. During these scenes, A few different rifles are shown, including Mauser Gewehr 1898 rifles carried by German soldiers and Springfield M1903 rifles carried by American forces. Both rifles are accurate depictions of what soldiers during WWI would have been using and carrying. The Mauser rifle was traditionally chambered in 7.92x57mm with a 5-round magazine while the Springfield M1903 rifle was a .30-06 rifle with a 5-round column box magazine.

Shotguns In the Series

Staying true to the strong women types that are so popular in the “Yellowstone” series, Cara Dutton is no exception. Like Beth Dutton of “Yellowstone” and Margaret Dutton of “1883”, Cara handles the scatter-shot shotgun with ease and skill.

When she uses a firearm, she usually has a side-by-side hammerless shotgun. The 12-gauge shotgun appears in the opening scenes of the series and looks to be similar to an Ithaca Flues Field Grade shotgun which was manufactured between 1908 and 1926. So, if the shotgun is the Ithaca Flues, it would fit in perfectly with that time frame. The one carried in “1923” appears to have Damascus barrels, that have a twisted steel pattern present as well.

Other shotguns make appearances in “1923” in addition to Cara Dutton’s shotgun, like a Charles Parker 1878 shotgun or a Winchester Model 1897 Trench shotgun. The Charles Parker 1878 lookalike shotgun appears in scenes featuring Hank Plenty Clouds, matching up with the dates of the shotgun production. The walnut stock and length of the barrel also seem to match up with the original.

The other shotgun that shows briefly in the series is the Winchester Mode 1897 Trench shotgun, something that was used during WWI by soldiers. The Spencer Dutton character’s flashbacks to WWI battles show the shotgun in use. The shotgun was the first successful pump-action design from John Browning and was used by US forces in both World Wars with a short barrel. The design of the shotgun could be used by even inexperienced shooters and could have all six rounds fired within two seconds. It was so successful in neutralizing the enemy that the German government filed an official complaint against the American use of the shotgun.

Are there any machine guns in 1923?

Given the timing of “1923” and the proximity to World War I, it’s no surprise when automatic weapons appear on screen in war scenes and Montana-based battle scenes. For the war sequences, the Browning M1917A1 makes its debut for the show, while the Thompson M1921AC machine gun shows up in the hands of ranchers in Montana.

During some of Spencer Dutton’s war flashback scenes, the Browning 1917A1 belt-fed machine guns play center stage. While the battles are not explicitly named in the show, some viewers believe his flashbacks featuring the late-war arrival stem from the battle during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the final major campaign of WWI, and some of the bloodiest.

On the home front, civilians had access to Thompson machine guns, which was a weapon of war that found a market in the States. Remember, this is prior to the National Firearms Act of 1934 and deep in the realm of the mobsters and prohibition bootleggers. It wasn’t exactly cheap to purchase these weapons, but given the right means, a rancher in Montana could easily have access to them. The Auto-Ordnance company even marketed the weapon to civilians as the ”Thompson Bandit Gun,” so it’s no real stretch for it to arrive on screen.

Handguns of 1923: A Yellowstone Origin Story

The series offers plenty of handgun action. Here’s a look.

Smith & Wesson Military & Police

Jacob Dutton, played by Harrison Ford, has his sidearm of choice in the Smith & Wesson Military & Police model. Originally released in the late 1800s as the Smith & Wesson Model 10, the double-action revolver has been through several iterations since its release. The version seen in the series is a K-frame revolver, mostly likely chambered in .38 Special. This revolver is said to be one of the most popular ever produced, so it fits right in on “1923”.

Colt Single Action Army

Like the revolver covered in the Firearms of “1883” piece, the Colt Single Action Army, or SAA, was a wildly popular revolver from the Old West through early modern times. Known by other names, like the Peacemaker and the Frontiersman, the western revolver is natural. By the time “1923” is set, the revolver was starting to decline in popularity, but with an estimated 300,000+ in circulation, it was proven a reliable and durable weapon. Also, added into the mix is the character who is often seen with it, John Dutton whose father was James Dutton of “1883” and his son Jack. The aspect of a family heirloom is right on par.

Webley & Scott Mk VI

In the opening scenes of “1923,” Cara Dutton is seen holding another rancher at gunpoint with her shotgun. The other rancher, an Irish immigrant, is shown having trouble reloading his Webley Mk IV revolver, more from adrenaline than anything. The Webley & Scott top break revolver was a well-known wheelgun used by many military personnel and civilians throughout the United Kingdom at the time. The revolver making its way to the American West with its Irish owner is spot on.

Colt M1911

The Colt M1911 .45 pistol makes a few appearances in the “1923” series, both in the hands of Spencer Dutton as well as a guard for a mining company. This pistol was a popular choice during the era and was readily available thanks to soldiers keeping theirs after the War and many on the market as military surplus. The pistol was reliable and said to be one of the best self-loading pistols created, with different versions of the pistol being used by military forces throughout the 20th century.

Colt Officer’s Model Match

The Sheriff in “1923” is seen with a Colt Officers Model Match Fifth or Sixth Issue. While the revolver model doesn’t quite match up with what would be available at the time, it probably was meant to show an earlier model, a medium frame double action target revolver from Colt. Regardless, it wasn’t accurate for the time.

Wrapping Up

The showrunners for “1923” did a good job mixing the firearms that would have been used at the time. By mixing the newer technology during the era and the traditional firepower, the theme seemed to be met with subtlety. Between the sweeping vistas of Africa, the mountains of Montana, and the flashbacks to the brutal War, the show matches firepower with tradition.

As a side note, fans of both 1883 and 1923 can rest easy as it was recently announced that both series will receive extra episodes to help round out the stories leading up to the Yellowstone timeline. No word on air dates yet but should be within the next year or so.