History of the Winchester Rifle

Rifles

Amunition

Time line of the Winchester Rifle

History of the Winchester Rifle

1855        Volcanic Arms Company

1857        New Haven Arms Company

1860        Henry lever action rifle introduced

1866        Oliver Winchester buys New Haven Arms controlling stock

Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Model 1866 Rifles and Carbines introduced the first firearms to bear the Winchester nam

The Winchester Model 1866

became

famous for its rugged construction and lever-action mechanism that allowed the

rifleman to fire

ultiple

shots before having to reload

, earning the name

, "repeating rifle." Chambered only in the rim

fire .44

Henry,

was nicknamed the "Yellowboy" because of its brass receiver.

1873 Model lever action rifle introduced

The most famous Winchester rifle until 1994, 1873 Model, became it's most successful. It

chambered for the 44-40

cartridge, although it was later produced in .38-40 and .32-20

Having a common center

fire cartridge in both revolvers and

rifles allowed the owner

to carry two firearms, but only one type of ammunition.

he original Model 1873 was never offered in

the military

standard .45 Colt cartridge; although a number of modern reproductions of the rifle are chambered for the round.

19,000

of 1873 Winchesters

were

manufactured in .22 rim

fire caliber

that

lacked the loading

gate on the right side of the

receiver.

1876 Model lever action rifle introduced

s model

was a heavier-framed rifle than the Model 1866 or Model 1873

. It was

the first to be

chambered for full-powered

center

fire rifle cartridges

. The Model 1876

earned a reputation as a durable and powerful hunting rifle. The

Canadian

Mounties used the '76 as a standard long arm. T

ddy

Roosevelt used an engraved, pistol-

gripped half-magazine '76 during

his early hunting expeditions in the West.

1879        Winchester imports double barrel shotguns

Hotchkiss bolt action rifle introduced

1885        Model Single Shot rifle introduced

1886        Model lever action rifle introduced

The Browning-designed Model 1886 continued the trend towards chambering heavier rounds, and had an even stronger

action than the toggle-link

revious models

. In many respects the

rowning

was a true American express rifle, as it could be

chambered in the more powerful black powder cartridges of the day, including the .45-70 Government. Chambering a rifle for

the .45-70 had been a goal of Winchester for some time.

1887        Model lever action shotgun introduced

1890        Model 1890 slide action .22 RF rifle introduced

1892        Model lever action rifle introduced

rass

roots Model 1892 was chambered for

lower-pressure, smaller, handgun rounds. The Model 1892 incorporate

stronger action than the earlier

lever-action arms

. 1,004,675 Model 1892 rifles were made by Winchester and

ere phased

out by the

company in the 1930's

. Brazilian arms maker Rossi, made them under the

Puma label, using updated materials

and production techniques

he Model 1892's action is strong enough to

chamber high pressure handgun rounds, such as .

357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and the high-powered .454 Casull round

1893 Model slide action shotgun introduced

1894 Model lever action rifle introduced the first Winchester designed to shoot smokeless powder

The

ost well

known of the Winchester repeating rifles

, designed by John Browning

, chambered for the

smokeless .30-30

Winchester cartridge, and a variety of calibres such as .25-20 WCF, .25-35 WCF, .32

Winchester Special, and the .38-55.

Winchester were the first company to manufacture a rifle chambered for the new

smokeless cartridges , and although delays

prevented the .30-30

cartridge from appearing on the shelves until 1895, it remained the first commercially available

smokeless powder round for

the North American consumer market. The Model 1894 went on to

become one of the best-

selling hunting rifles of all time

. Selling over a million units, i

ecame

the first sporting

and

hunting rifle

and wasn't

discontinued until

2006.

1895 Model lever action rifle with box magazine

The

Model 1895 was the

first Winchester repeating rifle to load from a box magazine

instead of a tube under the barrel. This

allowed the

rifle

to be chambered for military cartridges with spitzer (pointed)

projectiles, and

was used by the

U. S. Military,

Britain

and

Russia

n military

. Calibers included .30-40 Krag, .303 British, .30-03 (.30 US), .30-06 Springfield, and the mighty .

405 Winchester. The

Russian production models could also be loaded using charger clips, a feature not found on any other

lever-action rifle.

1896        Lee Model 1895 bolt action rifle introduced

1897        Model slide action shotgun introduced

1899        Model 1900 bolt action single shot .22 RF rifle introduced

1901        Model bolt action single shot .22 RF rifle introduced

Model lever action shotgun introduced

1902        Model bolt action single shot .22 RF rifle introduced

1903        Model semi auto rifle .22 WSL introduced

Salute Cannon 12 gauge blank introduced

1904        Thumb Trigger single shot .22RF introduced

Model bolt action single shot .22RF introduced

1905        Model semi auto rifle introduced

1906        Model slide action rifle .22 RF introduced

1907        Model semi auto rifle introduced

1910        Model semi auto rifle introduced

1911        Model semi auto shotgun introduced

1912        Model hammerless slide action shotgun introduced

1915        British Enfield bolt action rifles produced, .303 British cal. Govt contract

1917        Model Enfield bolt action rifles produced, .30-06 cal. Govt contract

1918        Browning Automatic Rifles produced, Govt contact

1919        Model 52 bolt action rifle .22 RF introduced

1920        Model 20 single shot shotgun introduced

Model 41 bolt action single shot shotgun introduced

1921        Model 36 single shot shotgun introduced

1924        Model 53 lever action rifle introduced

Model 55 lever action rifle introduced

1925        Model 54 bolt action sporting rifle introduced

1926        Model 56 bolt action rifle .22 RF introduced

Model 57 bolt action rifle .22 RF introduced

1928        Model 58 bolt action single shot rifle .22 RF introduced

1930        Model 59 bolt action single shot rifle .22 RF introduced

1931        Winchester Repeating Arms Company purchased by John Oilin owner of Western Cartridge Company

Model 21 double barrel shotgun introduced

1932        Model 60 bolt action rifle .22 RF introduced

Model 61 hammerless slide action rifle .22 RF introduced

Model 62 slide action rifle .22 RF introduced

1933        Model 63 semi-auto rifle in .22 LR introduced

Model 64 lever action rifle introduced

Model 65 lever action rifle introduced

Model 42 hammerless slide action shotgun introduced

1934        Model 67 bolt action rifle in .22 RF introduced

Model 68 bolt action rifle in .22 RF introduced

1935        Model 69 bolt action rifle in .22 RF introduced

Model 70 bolt action sporting rifle introduced

The

All-American

odel 70, became the most

respected bolt-action rifle in the world.

                Model 71 lever action rifle introduced

1936        Model 37 hammerless single shot shotgun introduced

1938        Model 72 Bolt Action Rifle in .22 RF Introduced

Model 75 bolt action rifle .22 RF introduced

1939        Mode 74 semi auto rifle .22 RF introduced

Model 24 double barrel shotgun introduced

Model 40 semi auto shotgun introduced

1940        M-1 Garand rifles produce .30-06 cal. Govt contract

M-1 Carbines produced .30 carbine cal. Govt contract

1949        Model 43 bolt action sporting rifle introduced

Model 47 bolt action single shot rifle in .22 RF introduced

Model 25 hammerless slide action shotgun introduced

1954        Model 50 semi auto shotgun introduced

1955        Model 77 semi auto .22LR rifle introduced

Model 88 hammerless lever action rifle introduced

1957        Model 55 single shot auto .22rf rifle introduced

1960        Model 59 semi auto shotgun introduced

M-14 Springfield semi auto rifle produced .308 cal (7,62mm) Govt contract

1961        Model 100 semi auto rifle introduced

1963        Model 250 lever action .22 RF rifle introduced

Model 270 slide action .22 RF rifle introduced

Model 101 O/U shotgun introduced

Model 101 O/U shotgun introduced

1964        Model 1200 slide action shotgun introduced

Model 255 lever action .22WMR rifle introduced

Model 94 Wyoming Diamond Jubilee Commemorative, the first commemorative rifle

Model 1400 semi auto shotgun introduced

1967        Models 121,131,141, bolt action .22 RF rifles introduced

1972        Model 12 "Y' series slide action shotgun introduced

Model 9422 lever action .22 RF rifle introduced

Model 320 bolt action .22 RF rifle introduced

1974      Super-X Model 1 semi-auto shotgun introduced.

1978      Model 1300 pump & 1500 semi-auto shotguns introduced.

Model 23 XTR

1979     Model 94 XTR

Model 94 XTR Big Bore

1981     U.S. Repeating Arms Company. Winchester brand rifles and shotguns manufactured in New Haven, Connecticut.

1982        Model 70 Westerner

1983        Model 94 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative

Model 9422 Annie Oakley Commemorative

1984       Model 94 angle eject

Winchester & Colt Commemorative set

Model 1300 Featherweight pump shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga.

Model Winchester Ranger semi-auto shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga.

Model 1300 pistol grip models

Model 70 Featherweight Ultra Grade

1985     Model 70 Lightweight carbine standard action

Model 70 Lightweight mini-carbine short action

Model 70 XTR Sporter

Model 70 XTR Super Express Magnum

Model 70 XTR Sporter Varmint

Model 94 angle eject standard Big Bore carbine

Model 9422 XTR rifle standard or magnum calibers

Model 9422 XTR Classic rifle standard or magnum calibers

Model 9422 Eagle Scout Limited Edition

Model 9422 Boy Scouts of American Commemorative

Model 1300 magnum Waterfowl

Model 70 Ranger youth model carbine

Model 1300 Ranger youth slide action

Model 70 Ranger bolt action, standard action

Model 94 Ranger lever action carbine

1986      Model 23 Classic Series -- Quail Special, Super, Pigeon, two barrel hunting set

Model 23 Classic 12 gauge

Model 23 Classic 20 gauge

Model 23 Classic 28 gauge

Model 23 Classic .410 gauge

Model 23 Custom two barrel set

Model 23 Golden Quail

Model 23 Light Duck

Model 94 120th Commemorative Anniversary Carbine

Model 9422 "The Lady"

1987      Model 70 50th Anniversary Edition

Model 70 Lightweight rifle longer barrel

Model 70 "WinTuff" "WinCam" and "WinLite"

Model 94 WinTuff carbine

Model 94 long barrel rifle

Model 9422 WinCam .22 magnum

Model 1300 Camo Pack 22" and 30" barrels

Model 1300 Ranger Deer combination pack

Model 1300 Ranger shotgun combination

1988      Model 1300 Wild Turkey Federation "Gun of the Year"

Model 1300 XTR 28" barrel

Model 1300 XTR Featherweight 22" barrel

Model 1300 WinTuff magnum

Model 1300 WinTuff Deer gun with rifled barrel

1989      Model 70 Varmint 26" barrel

1990     Model 70 Sporter 25-06,

Model 70 Custom Super Grade 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., 338 Win. Mag.

Model 70 Super Express .375 H&H Mag., 458 Win. Mag., .375 Standard

Model 9422 Exclusive Magnum models

Model 1400 28", 20 ga. barrels -- Slug Hunter

Model 1300 Slug Hunter

Model 1300 28" barrels

Model 1300 Stainless Marine, corrosion resistant finishes

Model 70 Super Grade .270 Win., 30-06 Springfield

Model 70 Featherweight calibers, 65X55, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag.

Model 70 Ranger -- Adult .243 Win.-- Ladies/Youth .308 Win.

Model 94 improved sights, quarter action

Model 1400 26" barrel, High Grade model

Model 1400 Walnut Slug Hunter

Model 1400 all combos and deer guns drilled & tapped for scope

Model 1300 White Tails Unlimited "Gun of the Year"

Model 1300 26" barrels, custom model

Model 1300 Ranger 26", all deer

Model 1300 20 gauge Defender

1992    New management at U.S. Repeating Arms under new management.

Model 70 Stainless rifle

Model 70 Featherweight classic with controlled round feeding

Model 70 detachable magazine

Model 70 .308 Win. in composite stock

Model 70 Ranger in .223 Rem.

Model 94 Large Loop Wrangler model in .357 Mag.

Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series III "Gun of the Year"

1993       Model 70 Custom Sharpshooter 7mm STW

Model 70 Super Express model

Model 70 Heavy Varmint, synthetic stock, heavy barrel

Model 70 DBM-S, detachable box magazine

Model 12 Classic Traditions, 20 ga. Grade I-IV

Model 52 Classic Traditions .22 Sporting rifle

Model 42 Classic Traditions .410 High Grade

Model 1001 over/under shotgun

Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series IV

Model 1400 Quail Unlimited

1994     Model 70 makes a return becoming the "most popular deer rifle in the world"

Most loved rifle among hunters and collectors, the pre '64 Model 64 made it's come back in 1994. Noted for it's "

claw

extraction, controlled round feed,

and

fixed-type ejection

," it has become the most prized rifle in history.

Model 94 Custom Limited Edition Centennial

Model 94 Limited Edition Grade I and High Grade

Model 70 Classic Custom Sharpshooter .220 Swift

Model 70 Classic Super Express .416 Rem. Mag.

Model 70 Heavy Varmint .220 Swift

Model 70 Classic DBM .284 Win.

Model 1300 Realtree Turkey gun

1995    Model 70 Ultimate Classic with fluted barrel

Model 70 Ultimate Classic stainless with full octagon barrel

Model 94 Legacy

Model 1895 Limited Edition High Grade

Model 1895 Limited Edition Grade I

Model 9422 High Grade

Model 1001 discontinued

Model 1300 Turkey

Model 1300 Deer with rifle barrel, Full Advantage camo pattern

Model 1300 Deer with smoothbore barrel with Full Advantage camo pattern

1996         Model 70 Custom Classic Sharpshooter II stainless steel

Model 70 Custom Classic Sporting Sharpshooter II CR BOSS

Model 70 Classic Featherweight All-Terrain

Model 9422 Trapper

1996 Model 70 Ultimate Classic Stainless with full octagonal barrel, left-hand version

Model 63 High Grade semi-auto

Model 1895 Grade I

Model 1892 High Grade and Grade I

Model 70 Classic Featherweight Stainless

Model 70 Classic Laredo Long Range Hunter

Model 70 Classic Sporter right or left-hand

Model 94 Trails End with American Walnut stock

Model 9422 Anniversary Edition High Grade

Model 9422 Anniversary Edition Grade I

Model 1300 Turkey with gray all purpose Realtree camo full camo coverage

Model 1300 Advantage Field

Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic stock

Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic pistol grip stock

1997       Model 1886 High Grade

Model 70 Classic Compact

Model 70 Classic Laredo LRH fluted barrel

Model 70 Classic Laminated Camo Stainless

Model 70 Black Shadow

Model 94 Black Shadow

Model 94 Ranger Compact

Model 9422 Legacy

Model 9422 Large Loop and walnut

Model 9422 High Grade Series II

1999       Super X2 3 1/2"

Super X2 Turkey 3 1/2"

Super X2 3"

Super X2 Field 3"

Model 1300 Upland Special

Model 1300 Camp Defender

Model 70 Classic Safari Express

Model 94 Timber Carbine

Model 70 Custom African Safari, .358 STR

Model 70 Custom "Ultra Light" Mannlicher

2000      Super X2 receivers Guns and Ammo's Reader's Choice Gun of the Year.

Noted for being the "Gun that Won the West", the Winchester is used to
describe lever-action rifles in the U.S. manufactured by the Arms Company.
The Winchester has become synonymous with lever-action firearms. One of
my favorite shows was the Rifleman which still plays today, and in part,
responsible for the Winchester's popularity!

1873 Single Shot Winchester
Rifle

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