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
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
FN Improves Iconic MAG Machine Gun
The FN MAG, better known to Americans as the M240 machine gun, has been in U.S. military service since 1976, and this year, the platform has gotten some serious upgrades.
Switching It Up In West Texas: The WTO SwitchLug System
The SwitchLug by WTO is designed for popular rifles, and it’s a modern system that doesn’t require buying new rifle.
President’s Column | On a Scale of One to 10, Houston Was a 20
As they say, the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting in Houston is a wrap. More than 73,000 freedom-loving Second Amendment supporters—the highest number since the COVID pandemic—joined us for three days of celebrating freedom.
The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens
One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.
New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles
This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.
HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.
Interests
New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- SK Guns Marks America’s 250th With Limited-Run 1911 Commander | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Safariland and Travis Haley Reengineered the Gun Belt From the Buckle Out | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Adds 300 FPS to a Cartridge You Probably Already Shoot | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
