To know Winchester may be to know Smith & Wesson, as NRA Museums Senior Curator Phil Schreier remarks in the opening of this video, but to know Winchester is also to know a key part of American history, and the history of the frontier. From the original designs behind the scenes with Smith & Wesson, to the industry-changing firearms that actually came to production, this video explores the deep-rooted history of Winchester, and their gradual metamorphosis of the lever gun design from the original Model 1866, to the classic Model 1886 in 45-70, to the wildly popular Model 1894. If you’re a fan of American history, the history of the firearm industry, or even someone more technically minded, interested in how a design evolves over time, make sure not to miss this segment from American Rifleman TV.
Video—ARTV: Winchester 150, Part 1
by
Support NRA American Rifleman
DONATE
** 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. **
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock
Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.
New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor
Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.
I Have This Old Gun: De Lisle Commando Carbine
The De Lisle "Commando Carbine," as it came to be known, provided British special operators with a suppressed firearm that could be used to take out targets without arousing the attention of nearby troops.
Q&A: Same Cartridge, Two Different Primer Types
Q: How do No. 34 large rifle primers from CCI differ from the standard large rifle type?
New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol
Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.
Finding The Natural Point Of Aim
Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
