Talk:The Missing (2003)

Since the setting of the movie is 1885, wouldn't that be the Sharps Model 1874 Carbine that the soldiers have rather than the percussion Model 1863? Harleyguy 04:58 21 April 2010

I would have thought that standard Army issue (until the Krag-Jorgensen was adopted in the 1890s) would have been some variant of the Trapdoor Springfield. I understand that private purchase was an option in the Army at some points, I did not know that the Sharps was standard issue in the nineteenth century outside of a unit like Berdan's Sharpshooters. Perhaps someone can lead me out of my fog of ignorance? --Ruzhyo 19:47, 21 April 2010 (UTC)

I was in error in my original post. Have since learned that there were only 456 of the Model 1874 Carbines made but over 32,000 of the Model 1863 were converted to .50-70 Goverment centerfire cartridges. I stand corrected. However, I would like to point out that Maggie carried a cut down double barreled shotgun as well, with what looks to be a 20" barrel. It's a rabbit-ear hammer model, possible a Colt 1878, she has it on her saddle in a front, right side scabbard, and is seen drawing it when she comes upon the carnage of her boyfriend having been roasted alive in a cow skin, her hired hand shot dead with arrows and stripped naked, and then finds her youngest daughter Dot wandering in a daze. Also at least one of the Indians in the "brujo's" gang is using a Model 1873 Winchester. --Harleyguy 19:06, 27 July 2011

Single-shot rifle seen in *The Missing* (2003)

In *The Missing* (2003), there is a notable scene where Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett) hands a rifle to her youngest daughter, Dot (played by Jenna Boyd), as the family prepares an ambush against the captors. This rifle is briefly visible in the standard version of the movie, but it is more prominently featured in the **Extended Cut**.

Maggie Gilkeson holding a single-shot rifle in *The Missing* (Extended Cut).

Based on the visible characteristics, the firearm appears to be a **Stevens .22 single-shot rifle**, possibly a **Stevens Favorite**. This weapon is an unusual choice for a western film, which often features reproductions from manufacturers like **Pedersoli**, **Uberti**, or **Pietta**.

Possible anachronism

The rifle seems to be anachronistic for the setting of *The Missing*, which is set in 1885. Most Stevens models were introduced after this date, suggesting some artistic license by the filmmakers.

Call for contributions

The screenshots provide a decent view of the weapon, but further analysis or higher-quality images would help confirm the exact model. If anyone has more insights into this rifle or its historical context, feel free to contribute to this page.

Maggie Gilkeson operating the action of the rifle.

Identified by Cricetus 16 April 2024