Winchester Celebrates 150th Anniversary

posted on January 15, 2016
** 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. **
win150box.jpg
What do you give someone who is celebrating a 150th anniversary? If Oliver Winchester--who brought his iconic brand to the world in 1866--were alive, paper, cotton or even silver and gold wouldn't quite seem adequate, regardless of what Hallmark tells us. Perhaps we offer a sincere round of applause and our deepest gratitude to the man who built a company that has earned and sustained a legendary spot in American history. 

"Winchester is a brand at the very core of the shooting sports and hunting heritage and it's humbling to know we have helped write history," said Brett Flaugher, vice president of marketing, sales and strategy. "With so many reputable companies in this industry today, we are fortunate to have such a rich legacy that we can share with our customers, our families and those who appreciate our contributions. Our brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its most loyal customers. With a deep emphasis on innovative products, the Winchester brand remains one of the most recognized and respected brands around the world."

From the local outdoors stores to Winchester.com, and even a new television series titled "Winchester Life," the anniversary milestone celebration will be carried through many outlets in 2016 including a 150th Winchester historical timeline

"This is our opportunity to share with the world, the history of Winchester, but also the story of a brand at the forefront of engineering excellence and new technologies in the development of ammunition and firearms," said Flaugher. 

Winchester's year-long celebration will include the introduction of five limited-edition commemorative rifles--the first of which will be this Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” lever-action offered in .44-40 Win.
The Model 1866 150th Commemorative Custom Grade will be offered in 44-40 Win. and features a custom Grade V/VI walnut straight grip stock that has a satin oil finish and classic rifle-style forearms. Custom 150th Anniversary engraving is featured on the polished brass receiver, lifter, lever, crescent buttplate and forearm cap in the classic Ulrich style. The famous Winchester Horse and Rider logo and the WRA scroll trademark are included in the engraving. The deeply polished, full octagon 24” barrel features a gold barrel band, plus special Winchester 150th Anniversary script and scroll engraving on the top of the barrel. The ladder-style carbine rear sight with blade front sight emulates the original. The receiver top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight. Overall length is 43” and weight is 7 ½ lbs. MSRP: $3,329.99

Stay tuned to AmericanRifleman.org all year for more special anniversary coverage. For more, go to Winchester.com. For more on Winchester firearms, please WinchesterGuns.com visit 

Latest

Winchester 400 Legend
Winchester 400 Legend

Review: Winchester 400 Legend

Winchester Ammunition decided to split the difference, caliber-wise, between the .45-70 Gov't and the company's previous 350 Legend to create the new 400 Legend.

More Public Ranges Coming After EXPLORE Act Implementation Order Signed

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed off on a Secretarial Order in late June to begin implementation of key provisions of H.R. 6492, which means more hunting and shooting opportunities on public lands across the U.S.

The Marine Corps Scout Sniper Memorial Project

With the United States Marine Corps celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, an elite force within that branch is collecting funds to remember the service and sacrifice of its fallen with a dedicated memorial in Quantico, Va.

Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor

Billed by Silencer Central as "the first shotgun suppressor designed specifically for hunters," the new Banish 12 has a number of field-friendly features and also stands out as one of the few shotgun suppressors on the market.

Marine Corps Knives Of World War II

Considered an essential piece of kit for every Marine, a wide variety of private-purchase and standard-issue knives were pressed into service in every theater of the war to tackle tasks ranging from hand-to-hand combat to everyday chores.

The Armed Citizen® July 21, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.