“Tag: .44-40 WCF”

It’s not hard to make the argument that the Winchester name is one of the most indelible in the firearm industry. The company has produced some of the finest guns in history and has cemented the lever-action rifle as part of the American heritage.

Born from a desire for a faster and flatter shooting cartridge, the .32-20 Winchester Center Fire cartridge came to the world stage at the end of the 19th century as a popular option for revolvers and lever-action rifles alike, but its popularity eventually dwindled as the 20th century progressed.

It is said that the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle is one of the guns that "Won the West." The same could also be said for its cartridge which still lives on to this day, the .44-40 Winchester, the history of which is explored here. 

The .44-40 Winchester Center Fire cartridge gained its popularity through its use in the late 19th century in lever-action rifles and revolvers, and is still produced commercially today.