Blog Post

World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan

Sep 14, 2022
World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan

Ishpeming, Michigan, United States--A giant working rifle, affectionately named "Big Ernie," is housed in Ishpeming, Michigan at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap; the rifle is 35-feet long and weighs 400 pounds, thus setting the world record for being the World's Largest Working Rifle, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.


Photo above: World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan. Photo: FutureWGworker/devianart.com

"The world's largest working rifle, affectionately named "Big Ernie," is housed in Ishpeming, Michigan at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap. The rifle is 35-feet long and weighs 400 pounds. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap is also home to "Big Gus," the world's largest working chainsaw," the mlive.com reports.

World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan

Photo above: World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan> Photo by: dickndebbietravels.com

"Da Yoopers Tourist Trap has a gift shop and a small "museum" of artifacts -- but the best attractions are outdoors. Big Gus, the world's largest working chainsaw, sits on a rise pointing towards the highway," the Roadside America reports.


"Billy, our guide, fires up Big Gus, which is 23 feet long and is powered by a V-8 engine. The large chain cycles with a terrifying rumble, though Billy holds back on revving it up to forest hewing velocity. "Jim's always worries about the chain flying off across Highway 41," he says.


"Even larger is Big Ernie, the world's largest working rifle. Big Ernie, Billy tells us, fired a rock wrapped in duct tape 2.5 miles into a corn field. But it probably won't do that again any time soon, as the recoil and shock wave knocked Ernie off of its truck mount and smashed the windows of a nearby farm house."

World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan

Photo: World's Largest Working Rifle: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan. Here's Mike Perry, da man who rebuilt Big Ernie; the world's largest working rifle. Photo: dayoopers.com

"You can find Da Yoopers Tourist trap on the south side of US-41, just west of Ishpeming. It’s hard to miss thanks to its bright-colored sign, promise of “free bathrooms” and the giant chainsaw sitting out on the front lawn," the travelthemitten.com reports.


"That chainsaw is “Big Gus,” the world’s largest working chainsaw. Just a few feet away sits another one of the world’s largest things – “Big Ernie,” the world’s largest working rifle. Both of these unique pieces were crafted by Moran Iron Works in Onaway."

Testimonials from Trip Advisor

"The place is kind of run down, but there is some humor to it. The gift shops were nicer than I had expected. We all found something to buy."


"So much to see at this tourist trap. Really neat rocks in the rock shop. Souvenir store well stocked with lots merchandise. Great prices and friendly service."


"It is free and full of oddities that made my kids laugh. This is a tourist trap and they don't try to hide the fact. Roadside America at it's best. The gift shop is filled with lots of souvenirs that are sure to make you laugh. This is a tourist trap. It is a good one. If your don't go into this with that mind set you will not enjoy it. It's kitschy, have fun with it!"


"The place is bulled and a tourist trap. Lots of unique things to see outside on the grounds. They have mannequins dressed up and old vehicles and parts jazzed up. This is open to see even if the main building is closed. the main building is a huge shop with everything UP from closes to artwork and souvenirs. Worth the stop to see when you are in the area."


"They have a some cool stuff outside....a Giant oversized chair for photo op... Gus the worlds largest working chainsaw etc. There is also a really cool u.p. gift shop and small gem and mineral shop...worth the stop while passing through."

World's Largest Working Rifle


Address: 490 N. Steel St., Ishpeming, MI
Directions: Head west out of Ishpeming on US Hwy 41, between Ishpeming and West Ishpeming on the south side of the highway.

GPS: 46.4922, -87.6981
Hours:  M-Th 9-8, F 9-9, Sa 9-8, Su 10-7 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone: 906-485-5595
Admission: Free

Online Store: https://dayoopers.com/the.store

Share by: