General Patton’s Arsenal: 10 Firearms Behind the Legend

General George S. Patton, Jr. was one of the most famous battlefield commanders in U.S. history, serving in both World War I and World War II. In fact, in early 1945, Patton led his army across the Rhine River into Germany, capturing 10,000 miles of land and helping to free the country from Nazi rule.¹

But what also made Patton stand out were the firearms he carried. These guns weren’t just weapons—they were symbols of his power, confidence, and skill.

1. Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Peacemaker)

• Year: 1873
• Maker: Colt Manufacturing Company

Patton loved his Colt Single Action Army Revolver, also called the “Peacemaker.” He carried this .45-caliber revolver in a shiny ivory-handled holster, which became part of his signature look.

Made in 1873, this revolver was popular during the Wild West era. Patton saw it as a symbol of strength and honor. You can picture him, a bold leader, drawing this gun with confidence in battles.

2. Smith & Wesson Model 27

• Year: 1935
• Maker: Smith & Wesson

Patton often paired his Peacemaker with the Smith & Wesson Model 27, a powerful .357 Magnum revolver. This one was a modern classic at the time, introduced in 1935.

Patton liked this gun for its accuracy and stopping power. He called it his “killing gun.” The Model 27 symbolized his readiness to take charge and make tough decisions on the battlefield.

3. M1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

• Year: 1911
• Maker: Colt Manufacturing Company

The M1911 is a semi-automatic pistol that was standard for U.S. troops from 1911 all the way through World War II. Patton used this reliable .45-caliber sidearm because it was trusted by soldiers.

It holds seven rounds and was praised for its stopping power. For Patton, this gun symbolized modern warfare, blending tradition with the latest technology of the time.

4. M1 Garand

• Year: 1936
• Maker: Springfield Armory

One of Patton’s favorites, the M1 Garand rifle became standard during World War II. He famously called it “the greatest battle implement ever devised.”

It was a semi-automatic rifle, meaning it fired each time you pulled the trigger without needing to reload manually after each shot. For Patton, this gun represented strength, firepower, and American ingenuity.

5. Thompson Submachine Gun (Tommy Gun)

• Year: 1919
• Maker: Auto-Ordnance Company

Often called the “Tommy Gun,” this gun was introduced in 1919 and became popular during World War II. Patton occasionally carried this gun because it was effective in close-quarters combat.

The Tommy Gun could fire lots of bullets quickly, which made it great for tough battlefield conditions. It symbolized Patton’s readiness for modern, fast-paced warfare.

6. Winchester Model 1897 Shotgun

• Year: 1897
• Maker: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Made in 1897, Patton used this pump-action shotgun for both combat training and battlefield situations. Patton liked this shotgun because it could be used in different scenarios—whether you’re up close or need to defend a position.

With its pump-action mechanism, it could fire quickly, giving Patton flexibility during battles.

7. Remington Model 51

• Year: 1918
• Maker: Remington Arms Company

The Remington Model 51 was a small, semi-automatic pistol that Patton carried for personal defense. It was first made in 1918 and was designed to be light and easy to carry.

It’s a .380 caliber pistol, which makes it smaller and less powerful than some of Patton’s other firearms. But that’s why Patton liked it—it was quick to draw and perfect for situations where you needed a smaller, more discreet gun.

8. M1903 Springfield Rifle

• Year: 1903
• Maker: Springfield Armory

Introduced in 1903, Patton appreciated this bolt-action rifle’s accuracy and often used it for long-range shooting and sniping. It became a standard rifle for American soldiers and was known for its precision.

Patton’s use of the M1903 shows his attention to detail and his belief in the importance of marksmanship. If you needed to hit a target from far away, this was the rifle to trust.

9. Luger P08

• Year: 1908
• Maker: Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), Germany

It’s a German-made semi-automatic pistol that Patton didn’t use in combat but collected as a war trophy. First made in 1908, this 9mm pistol became a symbol of the German military.

Patton liked to collect enemy weapons as souvenirs, and the Luger was one of the most iconic. It showed Patton’s respect for a well-made firearm, even if it was from the other side.

10. Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

• Year: 1873
• Maker: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Patton had a deep love for the Old West, and the Winchester Model 1873 rifle is often called “The Gun that Won the West.” Made in 1873, it was a lever-action rifle that was famous for its reliability and rapid-fire capability.

Patton carried it more as a tribute to the spirit of American pioneers. For him, this gun represented freedom, toughness, and the frontier mentality that he admired.

Each of these guns tells you something about Patton—whether it’s his respect for tradition, his focus on accuracy, or his readiness for any battle.

They weren’t just firearms; they were part of his identity as a soldier and a leader. He died from pulmonary embolism on Dec. 21, 1945.

Source:

1. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs