ARTV Preview: Colt Pistols Today, Winchester Wildcat And The British Brunswick Rifle

by
posted on August 31, 2021
** 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. **

Colt was the original manufacturer of the Model 1911 pistol, and a century later, it still makes them. While these newly made models are Series 70, 80, and 90 guns, they still have the classic look of the original 1911s and bear the famous rollmarks from the West Hartford, Conn., manufacturer. This week, for our feature story, we go behind the scenes at Colt to see what goes into making, and what customers can expect from, these new-made Colt pistols.

New Colt pistols freshly made at the Hartford, Conn., factory.

For our "Rifleman Review", we test out the Winchester Wildcat SR chambered in .22 LR. For a long time, the Ruger 10/22 has been at the top of the rimfire rifle market, and Winchester took up the challenge to best it with the Wildcat. With several innovative controls along with a pre-threaded barrel for suppressor use, the Wildcat SR is an interesting rimfire rifle with a lot of utility built in for the 21st century market.

The Winchester Wildcat SR in .22 LR.

For "I Have This Old Gun", we go back to the 1830s when the developments in percussion caps and muzzle-loading systems began to make the earlier flintlocks obsolete. During this period, the British sought a replacement for the aging Pattern 1800 Baker rifle. The British turned to a design for a percussion-fired rifle that features a slotted-and-grooved barrel, and fired a belted ball.

Firing the Brunswick rifle.

The two grooves cut into the barrel were meant to act as rifling, with the belt stabilizing the ball into a rotation as it traveled down the grooved barrel. In theory, the pre-shaped belt and slots in the barrel would mean easier loading than forcing a standard ball down a typical rifled barrel. These rifles earned the name of Brunswick, as their design was already in use in Germany by the troops of the Duke of Brunswick.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.