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
Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2
Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.
Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.
Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers
Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.
Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles
Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.
Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE
One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.
The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
