It is not every day that a young comedian finds himself face to face with the barrel of three guns owned by the King of Rock and Roll. In 1971, Steve Martin was opening for Ann-Margret at the Hilton in Las Vegas when Elvis Presley walked into his dressing room. After praising Martin’s “oblique sense of humor,” Elvis casually asked, “Want to see my guns?”
Elvis carefully pulled out three weapons, including a pearl-handled derringer, emptying the bullets into his hand before passing eac firearm over. When the exchange was done, Martin stood there holding three empty guns, while Elvis balanced 18 bullets in his palm. It was both surreal and funny, the kind of story that sticks with you forever.
Elvis Showed Steve Martin His Guns
Fans loved hearing Steve Martin share this memory. Many laughed at the idea of Elvis being so casual about showing his collection, while others said the story captured the quirky charm that made Elvis unforgettable.
That glimpse into Elvis’s playful side also shines a light on how much he valued his firearms. Beyond the lighthearted stories he owned pieces that were as unique as his stage presence, blending craftsmanship, patriotism and his larger-than-life personality. One revolver in particular shows just how deep that connection went.
Elvis Presley’s Smith & Wesson Model 53 Revolver
The Smith & Wesson Model 53 was delivered to Elvis only months before his passing. With gold inlays, silver stars, the Liberty Bell and even a Betsy Ross flag, it was more than a weapon: it was art. When it went to auction in 2023, it sold for nearly $200,000, far above its estimate. Fans called it proof that Elvis memorabilia, like his music, will never lose value.
Elvis Presley lived with flair, whether on stage or in private. His love for showmanship touched everything, even the guns he collected. Stories like Steve Martin’s and treasures like the Model 53 remind us why Elvis remains larger than life. Follow Elvis Presley on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.