Winchester Celebrates 150th Anniversary

posted on January 15, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
win150box.jpg
What do you give someone who is celebrating a 150th anniversary? If Oliver Winchester--who brought his iconic brand to the world in 1866--were alive, paper, cotton or even silver and gold wouldn't quite seem adequate, regardless of what Hallmark tells us. Perhaps we offer a sincere round of applause and our deepest gratitude to the man who built a company that has earned and sustained a legendary spot in American history. 

"Winchester is a brand at the very core of the shooting sports and hunting heritage and it's humbling to know we have helped write history," said Brett Flaugher, vice president of marketing, sales and strategy. "With so many reputable companies in this industry today, we are fortunate to have such a rich legacy that we can share with our customers, our families and those who appreciate our contributions. Our brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its most loyal customers. With a deep emphasis on innovative products, the Winchester brand remains one of the most recognized and respected brands around the world."

From the local outdoors stores to Winchester.com, and even a new television series titled "Winchester Life," the anniversary milestone celebration will be carried through many outlets in 2016 including a 150th Winchester historical timeline

"This is our opportunity to share with the world, the history of Winchester, but also the story of a brand at the forefront of engineering excellence and new technologies in the development of ammunition and firearms," said Flaugher. 

Winchester's year-long celebration will include the introduction of five limited-edition commemorative rifles--the first of which will be this Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” lever-action offered in .44-40 Win.
The Model 1866 150th Commemorative Custom Grade will be offered in 44-40 Win. and features a custom Grade V/VI walnut straight grip stock that has a satin oil finish and classic rifle-style forearms. Custom 150th Anniversary engraving is featured on the polished brass receiver, lifter, lever, crescent buttplate and forearm cap in the classic Ulrich style. The famous Winchester Horse and Rider logo and the WRA scroll trademark are included in the engraving. The deeply polished, full octagon 24” barrel features a gold barrel band, plus special Winchester 150th Anniversary script and scroll engraving on the top of the barrel. The ladder-style carbine rear sight with blade front sight emulates the original. The receiver top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight. Overall length is 43” and weight is 7 ½ lbs. MSRP: $3,329.99

Stay tuned to AmericanRifleman.org all year for more special anniversary coverage. For more, go to Winchester.com. For more on Winchester firearms, please WinchesterGuns.com visit 

Latest

First Time Shooting Experience F
First Time Shooting Experience F

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

New For 2026: TriStar Arms APOC Pro

The new APOC Pro takes the original TriStar Arms APOC pistol design introduced in 2025 and makes it optics- and suppressor-ready.

7 New Over-Under Shotguns for 2026

Ever since the development of the iconic Browning Superposed shotgun in the early 1930s, the concept of an over-under shotgun has remained popular not just with American shooters but shotgunners the world over.

DOJ Sues Denver Over Unconstitutional Bans

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed suit against the city of Denver, Colo., for banning “certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC

With its FPC, the Folding Pistol-caliber Carbine, Smith & Wesson entered the PCC market in a big way.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.