The Winchester Mare’s Leg is a unique and iconic firearm that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly in Western movies and television series. This compact and distinctive firearm is essentially a cut-down Winchester lever-action rifle with a pistol grip, making it a true hybrid of a rifle and a handgun. Its history is fascinating, and it has gained widespread recognition for its appearances in various forms of media, including the famous film “Zombieland.”

Today, the Mare’s Leg is a generic term for all derivations of the iconic piece. It is no longer made out of a Winchester rifle and is in gun stores as a pistol, which avoids the ATF tax for a Short-barrel Rifle. (SBR)

Ironically, this weapon was almost not included in the popular series as the producers and gunsmith failed to consult with the forerunner of the ATF, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division (ATTD), before they started filming. Because they didn’t, the producers paid $1,100.00 in taxes and license fees for the three Mare’s Legs they made for the show because they violated the National Firearms Act, but the gun was allowed in the series.

Winchester Origins

The term “mares leg” was first introduced in 1957. It was designed by Kenny “Von Dutch” Howard, an experienced gunsmith and artist, for use in the TV series “Trackdown.” Kenny “Von Dutch” Howard made the original Mare’s Leg by cutting down a .44-40 caliber Winchester Model 1892 carbine rifle manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. In creating the initial Mare’s leg, the butt-stock was cut, and much of it was removed, and the barrel, which didn’t have sights at the time, was cut to a length of nine inches.

Ironically, this weapon was almost not included in the popular series as the producers and gunsmith failed to consult with the forerunner of the ATF, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division (ATTD) before they started filming. Because they didn’t, the producers paid $1,100.00 in taxes and license fees for the three Mare’s Legs they made for the show because they violated the National Firearms Act but the gun was allowed in the series.

Western TV and Film Icon

One of the most famous TV portrayals of the Mare’s Leg came in the TV series “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” While this character played by Steve McQueen, Josh Randall, a Confederate and a bounty hunter, was first seen in a single episode of the TV series “Trackdown,” he became so popular that an entire series was created, and thus “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” was born. This TV Western series popularized the firearm even more and solidified its status as an iconic Hollywood weapon. Because of the “cool factor,” it became a staple in Western-themed television shows and movies.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected and humorous appearances of the Winchester Mare’s Leg occurred in the 2009 comedy-horror film “Zombieland.” In the movie, Woody Harrelson’s character, Tallahassee, wields a Mare’s Leg as his signature weapon in his quest to survive the zombie apocalypse. The choice of this unique firearm added a distinct flair to the character and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Find the replica Winchester 1892 Rifle and the transformed Mare’s Leg rifle at Trigger Replicas.

The Winchester Mare’s Leg has a rich history. It found its roots on television and became a beloved icon in the entertainment world. Its appearances in shows like “Wanted: Dead or Alive” and movies like “Zombieland” have cemented its status as a legendary and unforgettable firearm in popular culture. Whether you’re a fan of Westerns or zombie comedies, Mare’s Leg’s place in history and media is undoubtedly significant.

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