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: Bergara Platinum Stalker and Cima Pro Rifles
Bergara has two new lightweight rifles to lighten the load in the field.
Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat in .380 ACP
Springfield's latest Hellcat chambering makes the small pistol easier to shoot.
New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun
Stoeger adds a new sporting model to its M3000 semi-automatic shotgun line.
New for 2026: Shadow Systems Axio Pistol Platform
A duty-size handgun platform joins the Shadow Systems family of 9 mm pistols.
The Armed Citizen® Jan. 30, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine
In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
