Tom Horn

Tom Horn (1980)

Tom Horn was a 1980 Western that was the second to last movie that Steve McQueen made before his death. This movie is a somewhat fictionalized account of a former scout and gunman who was found guilty of the 1901 murder of a fourteen year old sheepherder named Willie Nickell in Wyoming. Horn was executed for the murder in 1903. Horn served as a civilian Army scout in the Apache wars in Arizona and served as a Pinkerton detective later.He is believed to have been involved in the Johnson County War on the side of the private army funded by the cattle barons. He was working (again) for cattle barons in Wyoming at the time of Willie Nickell's murder. Part of his work was to deal with sheep farmers.There is much myth and controversy surrounding Tom Horn. This movie incorporates both myth and what was then current historical research. Though not a success when it was released in the spring of 1980 the movie has come to assume something of a cult status in the years that have followed. Also notable for featuring the Winchester Model 1876 which is used by McQueen throughout the movie.

The following guns can be seen in Tom Horn:

Winchester Model 1876

Tom Horn (Steve McQueen) uses the Winchester Model 1876 rifle as his weapon of choice throughout the movie. Prior to this film the Winchester Model 1876 was not featured in Hollywood westerns. The Winchester Models 1873, 1892 and 1894 were the rifles that got all the attention.

Actual Winchester Model 1876 used by Steve McQueen during the filming of the movie.Caliber is 45-75 WCF. Serial number is #22700 (Mfd.1882). Photo and information from Long Mountain Outfitters.

Steve McQueen as Tom Horn carrying the Winchester Model 1876

Steve McQueen as Tom Horn holding the Winchester Model 1876. Photo shows how large the 1876 is.

Winchester Model 1892

Not surprisingly the Winchester Model 1892 is also used by different characters in the movie. However this time the use of the 1892 is correct for the time period of the story. Unlike many classic Hollywood westerns set during the 1860's and 1870's which had characters using the 1892.