At the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Phoenix recently I looked at some very different firearms, courtesy of the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA. I didn’t even know there was a museum like that! They had several rifles and pistols displayed from different movie sets. This one is a John Wayne special from the original version of the movie True Grit.
It reminded me that we have some pretty unique firearm collections in Russell Country. The C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls has the Browning Firearms Collection, proudly displayed on the main floor just off the lobby.
In Fort Benton, Montana you can view the surrender rifle from the last major Indian battle in the United States. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce surrendered the rifle south of Chinook, Montana at what is now named the Bear Paw Battlefield.
Firearms and hunting are everyday facts of life in Russell Country but there are some true gems out there for display too! As you travel through north central Montana be sure stop and visit the local museums for a glimpse of our unique firearms.