Steve McQueen's personal Winchesters|What's New!|Forum|Winchester Collector

Although I may be young in my Winchester collection journey, I’ve been fortunate to stand at the feet of some incredible collectors who have shared their knowledge with me. My collection may never match theirs, but recently, I took a significant step forward. I was lucky enough to purchase a Winchester Model 94 that once belonged to the legendary Steve McQueen.

Steve McQueen was not only a Hollywood icon but also a dedicated gun collector. His collection included a variety of firearms, some used in his movies and others that were part of his personal interests. Among the notable firearms was a Colt 1917, which McQueen later sold to Mel Novak after a conversation about Novak’s upcoming role as a detective in a film. Although the role never came to fruition, Novak held onto the gun, and it was later sold alongside other firearms from McQueen’s collection in 2003. Today, that gun remains in private hands.

Another interesting story involves McQueen’s close friend, Sam Allred. In a well-known photo, Steve and Sam are pictured holding a pair of Thompson submachine guns. McQueen was known to enjoy good beer, Mexican food, classic cars, and, of course, the thrill of high-volume automatic gunfire. Who wouldn’t?

Perhaps McQueen’s most iconic firearm was the “Mare’s Leg,” a sawed-off Winchester Model 1892 lever-action rifle featured in the TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive. The Mare’s Leg became famous for its unique design and functionality. Interestingly, because it was classified as a short-barreled rifle, the production company had to maintain a Class 3 Federal Firearms License (FFL) for its use. This added $1,100 to the cost of the show—making it one of the most expensive guns ever featured in a Western. When the first episode aired, it’s said that an ATF agent frantically made calls to figure out who had created such a “dangerous” firearm. The craftsman behind it, John Robinson, was rightfully proud of his creation.

McQueen’s collection included several Winchesters, a testament to his appreciation for classic lever-action rifles. While his collection featured many firearms, here are the notable Winchesters that stood out:

• Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine, S/N 999273
• Winchester Model 94 .30 WCF, S/N 122508
• Winchester Model 1892 .25-20, S/N 706112
• Winchester Model 94 .32 WS, S/N 1255922
• Winchester Model 94 .30-30, S/N 1421664
• Winchester Model 94 .30 WCF, S/N 1190083
• Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe .44, S/N 28117

The gun I now own is a Winchester Model 94 chambered in .32 W.S., with serial number 1255922. I purchased it a few months ago, and it came with the original catalog, numbered 1 out of 500. Unfortunately, someone laser-engraved “STEVE MCQUEEN” on the side of the gun. I consulted the auctioneer, who explained that the previous owner likely had no idea how frowned upon such alterations would be. Despite this, I feel incredibly fortunate to own this piece of history.

The gun itself might only be worth $600, but the story behind it is priceless. Steve McQueen was an icon of his era, though, sadly, many of the younger generation don’t recognize his name. It’s become a bit of a game between my dad and me to ask our friends if they know who Steve McQueen was—eight times out of ten, the answer is no.

Although McQueen’s name may not be as widely recognized today, I feel honored to own one of his guns. His legacy endures in the realms of film and firearms, and I hope to do my part in keeping his memory alive.