Throwback Thursday: "Gran Torino" M1 Garand

The original "Get off my lawn" movie gun.

by
posted on August 16, 2018
gran-torino-m1-garand.jpg

The year is 2008. Clint Eastwood, starring as Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino, sneers his iconic line: "Get off my lawn."  

For this week's #ThrowbackThursday, we delve into the NRA National Firearms Museum's collection of famous Hollywood guns, sponsored by William B. Ruger. This M1 Garand prop firearm was so prominently featured in the movie about an aging Korean War veteran struggling to come to terms with his changing neighborhood that it practically served as a character in its own right. This movie marked an occasion in which the movie's prop directors had clearly done their research: The .30-caliber M1 Garand saw service in World War II, the Korean War, and to a lesser extent, the Vietnam War. The M1 Garand was then (and remains) notable as a tough, accurate rifle that General George S. Patton himself called "the greatest battle implement ever devised," so it's an obvious choice for use by the Walt Kowalski character. 

Interestingly, this prop gun was actually used in two separate Hollywood productions, Gran Torino and TV's "Lost," although the latter was more of a "blink and you missed it" cameo. 

This famous movie gun, along with dozens of others, is available on display at the NRA National Firearms Museum every day of the year except Christmas Day, free of charge.


Latest

HLF Lede
HLF Lede

Conservation Federation of Missouri: Partnership with NRA Hunter's Leadership Forum Means $30K Donation to Share the Harvest

“We are very honored and proud to be a part of the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s network to help with their important initiative."

NRA Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Second Amendment Rights

“Promises made to law-abiding gun owners are being kept by President Donald J. Trump,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO.

New Guns 2025: Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 METAL Compact Pistol

It's everything we love about the M&P9 2.0 METAL, with a shorter barrel for easier carry.

Reviewed: NEBO IllumaTrace Blood Tracker

If you hunt long enough, eventually, you will have to track. Enter NEBO IllumaTrace, because you need every advantage.

Announcing the Friends of NRA Valentine's Day Giveaway

Enter to win a beautiful necklace and bracelet set from Montana Silversmiths with just a few clicks!

New Gear 2025: Remington Nitro Steel Duplex

Now, hunters don't have to swap out shells for different hunting scenarios ... we can just take the shot.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.