Winchester

Celebrating Legendary Innovation

With a reputation steeped in tradition, we have earned the moniker 'The American Legend' by delivering on our commitment to innovation & excellence in everything we do.

The Age of Innovation

Winchester in the 2000s

Winchester continues to be an industry leader in the beginning of the 21st century, creating award winning products including winning three consecutive world records for Long Beard XR

2016

The American Legend Celebrates its 150th Anniversary

Winchester celebrates 150 years of rich history and heritage. Truly an American brand. Truly a pioneer in the fields of firearms and ammunition. Oliver F. Winchester started the company in 1866. The rest is American History.

2016

The Symbolic Winchester Horse & Rider Logo

Painted by American artist Phillip R. Goodwin, the Horse & Rider logo becomes symbolic to the Winchester brand and its deep ties to the American West.

2016

Winchester Introduces the "Yellow Boy"

Winchester proudly introduces a host of commemoratives including the Model 1866 Yellow Boy. The gun that started it all 150 years ago.

2016

Winchester 30-30 150th Anniversary Commemorative Packaging

Winchester historic artwork on display as it celebrates its 150th Anniversary.

2016

Winchester 270 150th Anniversary Commemorative Packaging

Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Winchester with the collectible Winchester 150th Anniversary packaging.

2016

Winchester Shotshell 150th Anniversary Commemorative Packaging

King Buck is featured on this artistic commemorative shotshell box - all in celebration of the 150th Anniversary.

2015

Winchester Introduces Deer Season XP Ammunition

Winchester product manager, Mike Stock, explains the benefits of the new Winchester Deer Season XP ammunition.

2015

The Hunting Industry Falls in Love with Winchester Deer Season XP

The first ever Winchester product designed specifically for hunting deer. A brand new innovation from Winchester.

2015

Winchester Deer Season XP Short Film Series

Winchester launched a series of iconic short films featuring the new Winchester Deer Season XP - the first centerfire rifle cartridge designed specifically for whitetail deer.

2015

XPR - the First New Rifle Bolt-Action Rifle From Winchester in Over 50 Years

The introduction of the XPR Rifle marks the first new Winchester brand bolt-action centerfire design in more than 50 years. It is a robust, reliable and affordable hunting rifle.

2015

Winchester Deadly Passion's Melissa Bachman Meets the New Winchester XPR

Melissa Bachman, host of the Winchester Deadly Passion TV show, puts the new Winchester XPR to the test.

2014

Mantle of Shells - a Short Movie from Winchester

Spring turkey hunting at its finest is on display in this Winchester short movie, featuring the Long Beard XR turkey loads.

2014

Winchester Revolutionizes Their New Turkey Load - Long Beard XR

Winchester's New Long Beard XR redefines turkey hunting ammunition and sets two new world records at the NWTF Still Target Competition.

2014

Winchester's New Turkey Load - Long Beard XR

Winchester Innovation at its very finest. The new Long Beard XR has increased lethality at longer ranges - plenty to stop old tom in his tracks. It's Shot Lok technology transfers a greater number of pellets downrange.

2014

More on Winchester's Deadly Turkey Load - Long Beard XR

No longer is 40 yards the "safe standard distance" to shoot turkey out to. Feel comfortable that Winchester's new Long Beard XR will bag your turkey at 66 yards.

2014

Rob Pincus Breaks Down the Winchester Train & Defend Ammo

Personal defense authority Rob Pincus talks about Winchester's new W Train & Defend ammunition at Media Day.

2014

Ideal for Both Range and Personal Defense - The W Train & Defend from Winchester

Designed for the new shooter, Winchester’s W Train & Defend ammunition is matched for range training and personal defense.

2014

Winchester's New W Train & Defend Ammunition Hits Store Shelves

The Winchester Train & Defend Ammunition System is a straight forward solution for new shooters interested in training to become more proficient with their personal defense ammunition.

2013

The Fastest Rimfire Cartridge in the World - the Winchester 17 Super Magnum

3,000 feet per second: The speed of the newly released 17 Winchester Super Magnum, making it the fastest rimfire cartridge in the world.

2013

New Winchester Rimfire Caliber - 17 Win Super Mag

New from Winchester - the 17 Win Super Mag. It is the world's fastest, most powerful rimfire cartridge. For the first time in history, hunters can expect pinpoint accuracy and devastating performance from a rimfire cartridge at ranges well past 200 yards. At 3,000 FPS, it is the fastest modern rimfire cartridge on the planet.

2013

Here Comes the Winchester Varmint X

Built Specifically for predator hunting, here is the new Winchester Varmint X round.

2012

Winchester Brings Back the Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine

Winchester reintroduces the Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine.

2011

A Short Film Produced by Winchester - Smoking Gun

Winchester introduces a new steel load for waterfowl - Blind Side. It features game changing technology developed by waterfowl hunters for waterfowl hunters.

2011

Winchester's Blind Side Ammunition Offers "State of the Art" Technology

Blind Side by Winchester. Outdoor Life and NRA's American Hunter named it the "Ammunition of the Year."

2011

More Great Innovations from Winchester - Blind Side Ammunition

A video animation that will show and detail the features behind this lethal new load from Winchester.

2010

A Very Special Winchester Birthday

Winchester celebrates its 200th birthday with a very special rifle and ammunition.

2009

Make Way for the New Winchester PDX1 Bonded Ammunition

The Winchester PDX1 Bonded ammunition is ideal for personal defense and home protection. The PDX1 Bonded ammo was tested against FBI barrier test protocol.

2009

Winchester's New PDX1 Is Based on FBI Technology

Based on technology developed for the FBI, Winchester introduces PDX1 Defender personal defense handgun ammunition.

2009

Watch the Winchester Defender Bullet Expand

This new load features a notched jacket that is pre programmed to expand into six uniform segments for consistent tactical performance. It also features a hollow point bullet that expands up to 1 1/2 times the original diameter resulting in maximum stopping power.

2008

Improving the Iconic Model 70

The Model 70 rifle returns with an improved M.O.A trigger system and an improved three-position safety.

2007

Winchester Legends TV Debuts

Outdoor writer Ron Spomer hosts the new television series Winchester Legends. Ron spans the country in search of legendary hunts and legendary experiences with big and small game.

2006

The New Super X3 Autoloader is Introduced

A fantastic auto loader is introduced with an improved, self adjusting Active Valve gas system.

2005

Oxford, MS Hosts a New Winchester Plant

A new rimfire plant opens in Oxford, MS. As you'd expect - one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the world.

2003

Super Short Magnums are introduced

Sometimes "shorter is better." Winchester introduces the Winchester Super Short Magnum.

2001

Two Billion Rounds Produced to Support America's war fighters

Winchester delivers over two billion rounds of ammunition to support America's war fighters.

2001

Here Comes the 300 Winchester Short Magnum

The 300 WSM offers long action magnum performance in a short action rifle. Additional calibers will soon follow.

The Age of an iconic brand

Winchester in the 1900s

Winchester comes into its own in the 1900s: assisting the Allies in winning both World Wars, introducing the legendary AA shotshell used by millions of clay shooters, working with NASA to use Winchester ammo on the Space Station.

1998

Super X2 - a New Era of Shotgun from Winchester

Autoloading shotgun performance at its very finest - the Winchester Super X2.

1996

Here Comes the BOSS

A combination barrel-turner and ported muzzle-break allows the shooter to fine tune their rifle.

1991

Accurate with Terminal Performance - the New Sabot Slug

Setting a new standard for shotgun accuracy and terminal performance - Winchester introduces the new Super-X Sabot Slug.

1981

Winchester Has a Hand in the Space Shuttle Program

Winchester shotshell primers are used to initiate the separation and parachute recovery systems on the Space Shuttle's solid rocket booster engines.

1976

Super X Model 1 Sets World Record

Crushing the old mark by 9,000 targets, a team of six trap shooters using the Winchester Super X Model 1 set a new world one day record of busting clays - 24,000 of them.

1975

The Cody Firearms Museum and Winchester - a Match Made in Firearms Heaven

Thousands of Winchester firearms become the cornerstone of the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, WY as Winchester hands over its corporate gun collection to the museum.

1966

The Winchester Model 66 Centennial is Introduced

To mark the 100th anniversary of Winchester Repeating Arms, a gold tone plated Model 1894 named the Model 66 Centennial is introduced.

1965

Shotshell History - Winchester Introduces the AA

Winchester introduces what will become the favorite "go to" shell for millions of clay target shooters…the infamous AA. Reloading is a breeze with its durable one-piece compressions-formed hull.

1965

Winchester Officially Registers the Iconic "Horse & Rider" Trademark

Designed in 1919, Winchester now officially registers the Horse & Rider logo.

1964

Winchester History - Presidential Presentation Rifles

Winchester has been a big part of a long rooted American tradition: the making of Presidential Presentation Rifles. These rifles are then presented to Presidents, such as former President Ronald Regan. Ron Spomer and Ashley Hlebinsky go into more detail about his Presidential Presentation Rifle in this video.

1964

A First for Winchester - Factory Commemoratives - Here is a Model 1894

The first of many Winchester Factory Commemoratives is a Model 1894 produced for the Wyoming Diamond Jubilee. It remains among the rarest of the all Winchester Factory Commemoratives, and establishes the Custom Shop as an important part of commemorative design and production.

1963

Winchester Introduces the 300 Winchester Magnum

Production at the time had the stellar 264 and 338 Magnums. In 1963, Winchester introduced the 300 Winchester Magnum cartridge to fill an important niche between the two.

1962

Here Comes the Winchester Mark 5

By enclosing the shot column, Winchester's new Mark 5 delivered greatly improved patterning performance.

1961

A New Load Built for Rapid Expansion on Big Game

Here comes Winchester's new Power Point Bullet - it is designed to provide more rapid expansion on thin skinned game.

1959

The First and Only Non-Waterfowl Species to don a Federal Duck Stamp

King Buck of NILO Farms appears in art form as the face of the 1959 Federal Waterfowl Stamp.

1959

The Famed Story of King Buck is Alive and Well

A National Champion in both 1952 and 1953, King Buck was the darling of then Winchester owner, John Olin. Buck called NILO Farms home till his death in 1962.

1956

A Large Cartridge Comes to the Scene - the 458

In 1956 Winchester introduced a large magnum load - the 458

1955

A New Winchester Firearm- the Lever-Action Model 88 is Introduced

A new lever-action rifle is introduced by Winchester with target rifle accuracy…the Model 88.

1952

Conservation Meets Winchester - NILO Farms Opens in 1952

Established in 1952, then Winchester owner, John Olin, creates NILO Farms. Habitat restoration and conservation management at their finest.

1952

NILO Farms Boasts a Comfortable Clubhouse and Peerless Facilities

Wing shooters and clay bird shooters alike flock to NILO Farms to enjoy days afield and a delicious lunch afterwards.

1950

Winchester History - Herb Parsons' Gun

For 30 years, Herb Parsons was Winchester’s exhibition shooter known as the Showman Shooter. His signature feat was hand throwing and individually breaking seven clay targets with a Winchester Model 12, 12-gauge pump action shotgun. Parsons was also the behind the scenes shot maker and technical adviser for Jimmy Stewart’s 1950 movie “Winchester '73. Watch this Winchester 150th anniversary video to learn more.

1950

Jimmy Stewart and Herb Parsons Trick Shooting Feats

The western movie “Winchester ‘73” is released, staring Jimmy Stewart. Winchester’s wizard Herb Parsons fills in for Stewart during the film’s trick shooting scenes.

1950

Come One - Come all! See Winchester Exhibition Shooter Herb Parsons

Herb Parsons was an exhibition shooter for Winchester for many, many years. He was the "stunt shooter" behind actor Jimmy Stewart in the Movie, "Winchester 73."

1950

Behind the Scenes with Jimmy Stewart and Herb Parsons as They Film Winchester 73

Nothing bad with being Jimmy Stewart's "stunt shooter." Here we see some behind the scenes action with Stewart and Parsons.

1945

General Patton is a True American Legend and a Big Winchester Fan

When speaking of the Winchester M1 Garand, General George S. Patton, Jr. called it, "The greatest battle implement ever devised."

1945

WWII Comes to a Victorious Conclusion for Allied Armies

Allied Armies are victorious after more than a half decade of global war! More than 15 billion rounds of Winchester ammunition were delivered to the troops.

1941

Winchester History - John Olin's M1 Carbine

John Olin owned Western Powder Company and went on to acquire Winchester Firearms. He combined these two companies into Winchester to sell both ammunition and guns. Many of Olin’s personal guns are kept at the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, WY.

1941

More Support from Winchester for the WWII Campaign

13 Days: Winchester’s turnaround time to develop a light military carbine and cartridge and deliver to government evaluators. Winchester builds more than 800,000 of the six million M1 carbines made due

1939

Winchester History - Patton's Gun

General George Patton was a true legend and one of the most iconic figures in American history. He is best known for his leadership in World War II, when he led the US Third Army in France and Germany following the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. This video will go into depth about his M1 Garand.

1939

Winchester Builds Over 500,000 M1’s for World War II

65,000: Quantity of the first M1 Garand rifle order for the U.S. Military. During the war, Winchester will build more than a half million such rifles.

1936

Winchester History - Presidential Presentation Rifles

Winchester has been a big part of a long rooted American tradition: the making of Presidential Presentation Rifles. These rifles are then presented to Presidents, such as former President Ronald Regan. Ron Spomer and Ashley Hlebinsky go into more detail about his Presidential Presentation Rifle in this video.

1936

The “Rifleman’s Rifle” is Introduced – a Bolt-Action Rifle for the Ages

The legendary Model 70 centerfire bolt action rifle begins production and soon becomes known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle.”

1936

Winchester History - Kennedy's Gun

Perhaps two unknown facts are that former President John F. Kennedy was both a hunter and member of the NRA. It was a Winchester tradition to present special rifles to American presidents called Presidential Presentation Rifles. Come along as Winchester World of Whitetail host Ron Spomer and Cody Firearms Museum curator Ashley Hlebinsky share more on this special firearm.

1935

Winchester History - Herb Parsons' Gun

For 30 years, Herb Parsons was Winchester’s exhibition shooter known as the Showman Shooter. His signature feat was hand throwing and individually breaking seven clay targets with a Winchester Model 12, 12-gauge pump action shotgun. Parsons was also the behind the scenes shot maker and technical adviser for Jimmy Stewart’s 1950 movie “Winchester '73." Watch this Winchester 150th anniversary video to learn more.

1935

A New Bolt-Action Rifle Comes to the Winchester Family

The Model 69 bolt-action rimfire rifle is introduced.

1933

Two New Rifles and a New Pump are Introduced to Consumers

A great all new Winchester line up hits the marketplace in 1933: the Model 63 Rimfire, the Model 64 lever-action centerfire and the Model 42 pump shotgun.

1931

Winchester History - Hemingway's Gun

Ernest Hemingway was not only a gifted author of many books, but also a steadfast outdoors man and hunter. Winchester presented Hemingway with a Model 21 side-by-side shotgun as its Winchester Outdoorsman of the Year recipient in 1959. Cody Firearms Museum curator Ashley Hlebinsky shares some of Winchester’s history in this 150th anniversary video.

1931

A Side-by-Side is Another Great Winchester Sporting Shotgun

The Model 21 side-by-side shotgun is introduced and establishes Winchester’s reputation for building top quality sporting arms.

1927

Lubaloy Copper Plated Bullets Come to Town in 1927

New, coated .22's from Winchester! Copper plated Lubaloy cartridges from Winchester are made from a lubricating alloy similar to that used in other Winchester big game cartridges. These will improve the accuracy of your gun.

1921

Super Speed 270 Winchester Cartridges Arrive

Winchester Models 54 and 70 now have a brand new ammunition to shoot: the Super Speed in 270. These centerfire, non mercuric cartridges travel fast and hit hard.

1921

The Legendary Super-X Brand Hits the Market to Rave Reviews

The new Western Super-X load offers the utmost in 12-gauge range and power. 1 3/8 ounces of special chilled shot hurled at a high velocity coupled with progressive burning powder outdoes standard loads in long distance killing power.

1920

A Shotgun for the Winchester Junior Trap Shooting Outfit

A new team member for the Winchester Junior Trap Shooting Outfit - the Model 20, chambered in the .410 shotshell is introduced in 1920.

1919

1919 Gives Way to the Iconic Winchester Trademark

The Horse & Rider logo which is symbolic to the Winchester brand is born in 1919…the rest is history…and what a wonderful history it is.

1919

Artist Phillip R. Goodwin Creates the Winchester Logo

1919 was a most symbolic year in the storied history of Winchester - artist Phillip R. Goodwin creates the iconic Horse & Rider logo.

1919

A Bolt-Action Rifle Serves as a Benchmark for all Others

Another historic event in the time line of Winchester history is the introduction of the Model 52 rimfire. This bolt-action rifle sets a standard for other rifles to be measured against.

1918

U.S. Soldiers Nickname the Model 1897 the “Trench Broom”

Winchester produces over 47,000 Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifles (BARs) during WWI. The Model 1897 pump-action shotgun is modified and nicknamed the “Trench Broom” by American Soldiers.

1918

Winchester History - BAR Sample

Ron Spomer and Ashley Hlebinsky are talking about the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) in this video for Winchester’s 150th anniversary. Winchester was contracted to produce over 47,000 of these automatic rifles to be used in World War 1. The first sample of this weapon is held at the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, WY.

1918

Over 870 Million Rounds of .50 Cal to U.S. Troops

Winchester engineers collaborate with John M. Browning to develop the legendary .50-caliber machine gun cartridge. For more than a half decade, Winchester supports the war effort with over 870 million rounds.

1918

General John J. Pershing Appreciates The Western Cartridge Company and its Fine People

A correspondence dated September 18, 1918 was written by General John J. Pershing to the employees of Western Cartridge Company.

1915

Winchester Enters WWI with Two Bolt-Action Rifles

Nearly 250,000 Enfield Pattern Number 14 bolt-action rifles are sent to the British Army in Europe and close to 300,000 Model 1895 Muskets are sent for the army of Czar Nicholas II of Russia.

1912

Winchester History - Model 12 Black Diamond

This shotgun was produced from 1912 to 1964 and had special production runs in the 2000s. This shotgun is an upgraded version of the Model 1897. Ron Spomer goes into more detail in this video at the Cody Firearms Museum for Winchester's 150th Anniversary.

1912

The Model 1912 Pump Shotgun is Released

The Model 1912 pump shotgun is introduced and becomes one of the world’s most popular and respected designs of all time.

1909

Smithsonian Sponsors Year Long Roosevelt African Safari

15 crates of Winchester brand new rifles, ammunition and spare parts accompany Theodore Roosevelt and son Kermit on a year-long African safari - all sponsored by the Smithsonian.

1905

It's 1905 - Here Comes Nublack Shotshells

Nublack was a Winchester brand name for a shotshell line manufactured in the early 1900s. It was a loaded black powder shell. They were paper hulls with distinctive cartons to include flying mallards.

1905

Winchester's Vintage "Hallmark of Quality" Mark

Winchester begins using the famous W/P oval proof mark called the "Hallmark of Quality."

1905

The Winchester Model 1905 is Introduced

1905 brings some exciting and new technologies: The Model 1905 is introduced. It is the first Winchester self loading centerfire rifle and the first Winchester rifle with a detachable box magazine.

1904

Ad and Plinky Topperwein amaze at the World’s Fair

Winchester shooters Ad and Plinky Topperwein dazzle visitors at the World’s Fair in Saint Louis.

1904

Winchester History - Plinky Topperwein

Adolph Topperwein had a 50-year gig as a Winchester exhibition shooter beginning in 1901. Mr. Topperwein fell in love with Elizabeth Servaty and she quickly became a part of Topperwein’s shooting shows. During Elizabeth’s training, she shot at tin cans with a 22 and after several tries she made her first hit, to which she declared, “I plinked it. Afterwards she became known as Plinky Topperwein.

1904

The Winchester Junior Rifle Corps Range Kit Welcomes the 1902

The Model 1902 single-shot .22 rimfire rifle is introduced and becomes famous as part of the Winchester Junior Rifle Corps Range Kit.

1900

Winchester History - Cased Pistols

In this video, Winchester World of Whitetail host Ron Spomer and Cody Firearm Museum curator Ashley Hlebinsky are looking at Winchester cased pistols. These pistols had a limited run but are a huge collector’s item.

The American Legend is Born

Winchester in the 1800s

Oliver Winchester establishes the Winchester Repeating Arms Company to build the world's finest guns and ammunition.

1898

The USA and Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" go to War

The United States of America goes to war with Spain in 1898. Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt becomes a national hero leading his "Rough Rider" volunteer unit at San Juan Heights. The rest is history.

1897

Winchester History - John Olin's 97

In this 150th anniversary video, Winchester World of Whitetail host Ron Spomer is showing the Winchester model 97 from John Olin’s collection. John Olin at one-time owned Winchester and was a critical figure in its growth and history.

1897

Factory Loaded Shotshells are Introduced

More innovation from Winchester - under the "New Rival" heading, factory loaded shotshells are introduced.

1897

Winchester History - John Olin's M1 Carbine

John Olin owned Western Powder Company and went on to acquire Winchester Firearms. He combined these two companies into Winchester to sell both ammunition and guns. Many of Olin’s personal guns are kept at the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, WY.

1897

The Best Selling Shotgun on the Market is Introduced

The Winchester Model 1897 is introduced. It’s the best selling pump-action shotgun on the market.

1895

Winchester Introduces the Model 1895

With an internal box magazine to handle modern pointed bullets, the Model 1895 centerfire rifle is introduced.

1894

Winchester History - Irma's 94

Buffalo Bill Cody founded Cody, WY. This Old West town is home to the Irma Hotel, which is named after Irma Cody, the daughter of Buffalo Bill. Irma used her model 1894 Winchester rifle a lot and it is a great shooting gun. This is just a small part of the history of firearms that can be found at the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, WY.

1894

The Best Selling Centerfire Rifle in U.S. History is Introduced

The Model 1894 lever- action rifle is introduced, becoming the best selling centerfire rifle in U.S. history.

1894

Winchester History - Presidential Presentation Rifles

Winchester has been a big part of a long rooted American tradition: the making of Presidential Presentation Rifles. These rifles are then presented to Presidents, such as former President Ronald Regan. Ron Spomer and Ashley Hlebinsky go into more detail about his Presidential Presentation Rifle in this video.

1894

Winchester History - Ron Spomer's First Deer in 1966

For Winchester's 150th anniversary, Ron Spomer talks about taking his first Winchester rifle, the Model 94 lever-action, on a buck hunt in South Dakota. Spomer made personal history when he shot his first buck in 1966.

1893

A Smokeless Cartridge for the Model 1894

In 1893, a consumer could purchase a Winchester Model 1894 in 26" with a round (nickel steel) barrel for $23.00. A Take-Down Rifle for $28.00. He could then use Winchester's new smokeless cartridge in that firearm.

1893

A "Real Revolution." Smokeless Powder Comes to the Scene in 1893

Here comes smokeless powder - Winchester begins loading sporting cartridges with the latest thing in ammunition: smokeless powder.

1890

Winchester History - Plinky Topperwein

Adolph Topperwein had a 50-year gig as a Winchester exhibition shooter beginning in 1901. Mr. Topperwein fell in love with Elizabeth Servaty and she quickly became a part of Topperwein’s shooting shows. During Elizabeth’s training, she shot at tin cans with a 22 and after several tries she made her first hit, to which she declared, “I plinked it.” Afterwards she became known as Plinky Topperwein.

1890

New to Winchester: a Pump-Action .22 and the .22 Rimfire Cartridge

The Model 1890 pump-action .22 rimfire rifle is introduced, along with the .22 Winchester Rimfire cartridge.

1887

New Lever-Action and Pump-Action Repeating Shotguns are Introduced

The Model 1887 lever-action repeating shotgun and Model 1887 pump-action repeating shotgun are introduced.

1887

Winchester History - Henry Ford's 87

What do Oliver Winchester, John Moses Browning, and Henry Ford have in common? It is the Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun, a Browning designed shotgun produced by Winchester as serial #1. It was purchased by Henry Ford and then gifted to Harvey Firestone of Firestone Tires. The lineage of this particular gun is beyond fascinating and this gun is just a small part of Winchester’s unique 150-year history.

1887

New lever-action and pump-action repeating shotguns are introduced

The Model 1887 lever-action repeating shotgun and Model 1887 pump-action repeating shotgun are introduced.

1886

A Perfect Lever-Action Rifle for the 45-70

In 1886 Winchester introduces a lever-action rifle to handle the large cartridges like the potent 45-70 Government.

1886

Model 1886 Rifle Handles Large Cartridges

This promotional piece from Winchester back in 1886 shows cartridge trajectory at 100 and 200 yards.

1885

The Winchester Model 1885 - A Single-Shot Rifle

A single shot rifle unlike any other, the Winchester Model 1885 is introduced.

1883

The Winchester Model 1873 is Buffalo Bill's Gun of Choice

Smoothbore Model 1873: “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s favorite Winchester rifle for trick shots in his “Wild West Show.” The show launched in 1883 and would soon feature Annie Oakley.

1883

Winchester's First Ever Bolt-Action Rifle

The Model 1883 Winchester Hotchkiss Magazine Gun, often called the Third Model, is introduced and is the first Winchester bolt-action rifle.

1880

At age 70, Oliver F. Winchester dies in New Haven, CT

Oliver F. Winchester began as a clothing manufacturer in New York City and New Haven, Connecticut. During his working career, Winchester had many interests including ties to Smith & Wesson - better known at the time as the Volcanic Arms Company. By 1857, Winchester was its principal stockholder and relocated the company to New Haven, changing the name to the New Haven Arms Company. Winchester also held interest in the Henry rifle. Following success of that rifle, Winchester renamed the company to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

1877

It's 1877 - "New Revival" Products are Introduced

Winchester introduces shotshell components for re loaders with the arrival of New Revival products.

1876

President Theodore Roosevelt Chooses a Winchester Rifle

"The Winchester… is by all odds the best weapon I ever had, and now I use it almost exclusively..."— Theodore Roosevelt comments on his Centennial Model 1876 lever-action rifle

1876

Winchester History - 73 & 76, Along With 1 of 1,000

Come along with Winchester World of Whitetail host Ron Spomer as he visits the Cody Firearms Museum and explores Winchester Firearms history, specifically the Winchester model 73 and 76, and 1 of 1,000 mystique in this Winchester 150th Anniversary Video.

1876

The Hunter - President Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt was a man for all seasons - and a man who loved Winchester.

1875

Buffalo Bill Speaks Loud and Clear

"For hunting, I pronounce your improved Winchester the boss." William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody in the 1875 Winchester catalog.

1875

Winchester History - Buffalo Bill & Annie Oakley

Ever hear of famed shooters Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley? Winchester is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. The Cody Firearms Museum (Buffalo Bill Museum wing) is also celebrating with “The American Legend” as it showcases rifles from Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, along with thousands of other firearms. Watch this Winchester video to learn more and make certain to see the Cody Firearms Museum and the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

1875

A Favorite of Collectors - the Winchester Model 1873

Premium quality Model 1873s are marked “One of One Hundred” and “One of One Thousand,” making them among the most sought after by collectors.

1873

America's "Gun That Won the West" is Introduced

The Model 1873 lever-action rifle is introduced in 44-40 WCF. Known as the “Gun That Won the West,” more than 700,000 are produced.

1873

1 of 1,000

The Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle: 1 of 1,000.

1873

What a Gun! The 1873

More than 700,000 of these beauties were produced - the Model 1873.

1871

The NRA is Formed in 1871

Forming in 1871 in New York, the NRA elects U.S. Army General Ambrose Burnside as the organization's first president.

1869

Welcome to the American West - Here Comes the Railroad

With the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the American West is open to settlement. Such an expansion will fuel decades of demand for Winchester firearms.

1866

The "American Legend" is Born - the Rest is Pure History

Oliver Winchester establishes the Winchester Repeating Arms Company to build the finest guns and ammunition possible.

1866

Winchester History - World's Fair Gun

A change from the Henry lever-action rifle to the Winchester lever-action rifle. Model 1866 made in 1873 is on fine display during this intriguing video with Cody Firearms’ curator Ashley Hlebinsky and host of Winchester World of Whitetail Ron Spomer.

1866

The Western Cartridge Company

A look at the Western Cartridge Company. Originally formed to manufacture sporting rifle powder and shotgun shells for settlers of the Great Plains.

1866

The 1866 "Yellow Boy" Comes to Market

With its polished brass receiver the Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” lever-action rifle is the first gun to bear the Winchester name.