Do You Have Questions??

We receive many questions for information on the actual weapons used in the movie �Tombstone.�   Most frequent � what did Doc Holiday carry?

Val Killer (Doc Holiday) carried both a 4 �� nickel plated single action Colt .45 and an original 4 �� nickel Colt 1877 .38 Lightning with Birdshead grips that we supplied.  Don�t let anyone try to tell you he carried one of the Birdshead grips SA's (single actions).  We would not put one in a film without putting up a fight.  They simply did not exist.  The Lightning is a double action, however, since the movie came out, several companies have manufactured single actions with Birdshead grips to pass as Doc Holliday guns.

Were the guns in the movie actually black powder pistols, or are they cast steel/zinc blank-firing replicas?

The guns were real black powder guns, but not cap and balls. There was no smokeless powder until the early 1890's.  We used black powder blanks.  There are zinc/steel dummy guns made (not for the Lightning).  We supply them, but they're not of good quality.  They don't deal well with hard use. 

Do you still have that gun?

We still have the gun. 

�Is it possible to perhaps purchase a rig and guns like those Doc Holliday wore in the film?�

Yes, the rigs are available. Beware of patent infringements, we are the only company that reproduces the exact product that was in the movie because we use the same people that made it for the movie.  We will need additional information regarding size and weapon to make them up for you. 

The rig we designed and fitted to Val for Tombstone is actually a single shoulder holster and a regular gun belt opposite.  The shoulder rig was designed for 4 3/4" or Lightning, but the holster can be custom designed for your preference.  Our people made the original rig and can make it again, of course. 

�I wondered where the different scenes in the movie were shot. �

Scenes were shot throughout the Tucson area.  Old Tucson Studios, which burned down in 1995, to the main town near Benson.  The set was used in TV and films before we got there with "Tombstone."  The art department, using the original maps of Tombstone (1881) reconstructed and painted, establishing the town the way it looked.  Unfortunately, the next film "The Quick and the Dead" turned those same buildings into a drab ghost town.  So much for movie history. 

We also shot at the Babacomarie Ranch about 50 miles from Tucson.  The riding scenes and Hooker ranch were shot there.  We could have shot the Curly Bill fracus, the death of the Johnny Ringo and the Hooker Ranch at their original locations, however, the director wanted a different look with water and more color for film.  Thus, we did not shoot on these original locations. 

�Where do the costumes go when the movie is completed etc. anyway. �

Some are rented; many are trashed and discarded.  Some are sold to other costume houses. Our team also manufactures them on request. 

�When is your book going to be out?�