True Grit

Even if they look new at least they were period correct. You can't really say that for the original, or most westerns of that era for that matter. They didn't really start paying attention to that until later on. I would suggest that Clint Eastwood was one of the first directors to do so.
 
they were period correct. You can't really say that for the original, or most westerns of that era for that matter. They didn't really start paying attention to that until later on
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Another thing you have to keep in mind is earlier westerns used original guns, some of which were already in short supply or like the Henry fired cartridges no longer made. 92 Winchesters were abundant and cheap.
 
Another thing you have to keep in mind is earlier westerns used original guns,....
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That's right, and many of those old, original guns had not only endured the real frontier, they had also endured years and decades of being thrown in the dirt, dragged through the mud, and bounced on boulders through take after take after take of numerous westerns. Those who think that's how the guns looked back in their own beginnings should maybe reconsider. I think the reason we have mental images of guns in the Old West looking like that is due largely, in part, to having watched all those old western films featuring all those worn out and abused antiques.
 
I can't help but think that a former soldier, Union or Confederate, having been through the routine of cleaning his weapon every night would let his sidearm or rifle get too terribly beat up.
 
Hardcase

I have always heard from my father whom had heard from his father...ect:, ect;

Horse and saddlery, first
then, your firearms, second
then, your boots, third
then, you feed your self, last
 
You're right, but. . .

Good points, everyone! However, like Grant, "I'll fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." I do see the logic of "care for your horse, saddle, gun self" and the point about older western being made with original, well worn guns is quite insightful.
Perhaps it's a question of aesthetics; super shiny brass, to me, seems quite out of place on Civil War-era guns in a film set almost twenty years later. I have brass doorknobs that turn dull yellow just a few weeks after cleaning. Any vets who've had to polish brass belt buckles and rank insignia can attest to how quickly brass fixtures, especially ones that are handled frequently (like revolver grip frames and rifle receivers), tarnish up. If this weren't true Brasso would be long out of business.
So Hollywood, listen up! Before you turn out another western, send your guns to me for free weathering, tarnishing and break in. After all, I just want to do my part;)
 
I see now. Yep, and brass tarnishes surprisingly fast when exposed to black powder fouling. I'd have to watch the movie again to see the brass of which you speak.
 
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