Famous movie guns on display at NMLRA

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association will present a comprehensive exhibit on the Lewis and Clark Expedition with guest curator Bob Anderson from June 9-16. The museum will also display a collection belonging to actor, National Rifle Association Board member, and avid gun collector Tom Selleck on June 9 and 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Spring National Shoot.

Selleck’s guns are on loan from the NRA National Firearms Museum, to which he donated seven rifles and revolvers used in his films. Several of Selleck’s guns have been displayed in the NRA museum, most notably one of the Shiloh Sharps rifles used in the blockbuster movie Quigley Downunder. The gun was featured in “Real Guns of Reel Heroes,” one of the NRA museum’s most popular exhibits ever. These movie guns will be on display at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Museum in the historic Rand House.

The collection from Selleck includes the following:

• Henry .44-40 reproduction rifle imported from Italy by Allen Firearms, an early retailer of Western replicas. Selleck used a Henry from Stembridge Gun Rentals, a Hollywood prop house, for the 1997 film Last Stand at Saber River. Selleck had this new rifle specially engraved to match the prop house rifle, which was damaged from overuse in other films.

• Winchester M1876 .45-60 rifle modified by Ken Howell of R&D Gunshop for use by Tom Selleck in the 2001 film Crossfire Trail. Based on the original carbine receiver made in 1879, this longarm was rebuilt for movie use.

• .45 Schofield revolver from the 2001 film Crossfire Trail. This hand-built revolver was manufactured for the film by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop.

• Colt Richards Conversion .44 revolver manufactured for the 1997 movie Last Stand at Saber River. Engraved with Cable on the backstrap, this ivory-stocked revolver was the one maintained to match its early presentation condition in the film.

• Colt Open Top .44 revolver manufactured from a Colt blackpowder reproduction for use in Crossfire Trail. The revolver was modified by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop.

• Colt Single Action Army .45 revolver used in the 2003 movie Monte Walsh. This revolver was hand-built by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop for the film.

• Winchester M1886 .50 Express carbine from the 2003 movie Monte Walsh. One of two carbines restored from production receivers by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop. Both guns letter as .50 Express carbines.

The NMLRA museum is located in the historic Rand House, just off St. Road 62, Friendship. Admission to the museum is free (donations are accepted). Hours are: June 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 11-16 from noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 812-667-5131 or check the website at www.nmlra.org.