JRB, you are correct ref "the second film the large loop lever appeared in" i.e., Shepard of the Hills. Well, now I know why the large caliber in the belt.... never heard of that before. In my first post I spoke of when John Wayne defined his "cowboy persona" and again you are correct ref: Rio Lobo. With exception to a few, after Rio Lobo, Wayne is basically the same as far as character and dress. By that time he was "well established" as an American Icon. A lot of folks feel that his best performance was in True Grit, the academy felt so, because he got the Oscar for that performance. But for me, I feel his "best" was in the "Shootist"... even though the "typical JW character was there"... I feel his character was more befitting... he was not bigger than life in that movie... Wayne was battling the big "C" when the Shootist was filmed. I thought his acting was the best in this movie. But that is my opine. I thank all who responded. I love the line in the shootist where Wayne says... " I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on, I do not do these things to others, and I require the same from them."