Memories Reborn

(Sponsored Spotlight)

Growing up, I’d sit at my grandfather’s feet and watch the classics: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, El Dorado, The Searchers, Rio Bravo and my all-time favorite The Cowboys. John Wayne exuded strength, confidence and boldness.

The Duke’s Winchester Model 1892 with the large loop lever was emblazoned in my memory. I had to have one.

Here I sit, a 30-something guy who loves guns, but never captured that memory from long ago – until a few weeks ago while cruising through the Pyramyd Air website. What I found harkened memories that have been tucked away for quite some time. I was staring at the John Wayne ‘Lil’ Duke.

Granted, this .177 caliber lever-action BB rifle skews to a younger demographic, but I owed it to myself to introduce my sons to a true legend through the shooting sports. Plus, I get close to the Winchester Model 1892 wielded by the man himself.

I already owned the Duke Colt Peacemaker revolver and couldn’t wait until Christmas to break out the ‘Lil’ Duke. The oldest boy ran out the back door as soon as he saw the box. He knew it was time to send a few BBs down range. Living in town, the closest thing to a range and trigger time is the back yard and our John Wayne BB guns. Pyramyd Air offers a wide variety of targets to select from, but reactive targets seem to capture the attention of a nine-year-old.

The ‘Lil’ Duke rests comfortably against his shoulder and, although it has Air Venturi’s new LASSO Scope Mount, he prefers iron sights the way John Wayne did it. The large loop lever is easy to cock and the trigger is nice. However, it’s the small details that my son loves. Everything down to the Duke’s likeness and signature makes this one special for the kid in all of us. It’s almost like John Wayne himself guides your shot.

BB guns provide an excellent opportunity to recapture memories and also create new ones. Sometimes a little trigger time with the Duke is what’s needed after a long day of work or just a good excuse to get the kids outside. ~KJ

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