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A Different Perspective on theHistory of American Firearms

(taken from the www.guncollectorsclub.com )

Pictured: 1969 WinchesterLever Action Rifle .30-30

There are two particular firearms that use the lever-action operatingsystem and they both represent distinctive inventions. The first is the

Winchester Repeating Rifle, manufactured by WinchesterRepeating Arms and the second is the Marlin 1894. WinchesterRepeating Rifle was extensively used during the second half of the 19thcentury, gaining an immense popularity amongst Americans. The gunmanaged to impress due to the tough constitution and also because ofthe innovative lever-action mechanism that permitted for a number ofshots to be fired before recharging.

One of the first models of the Winchester Repeating Rifle was released on the market in 1866 and

was especially chambered for the 44 Henry rimfire cartridges. In 1873, new rifles were releasedthis time adapted for multiple cartridges including the 44-40, 38-40 and 32-20. The cartridges thatwere introduced for the Winchester Repeating Rifle were available in many other firearms of that

time, a lot bearing famous names such as Colt, Remington or Smith & Wesson. Thus, a lot ofgun enthusiasts have started to carry two firearms, meaning a revolver and a rifle, using the sameammunition. They considered that it offered better protection and they had every right to considerthat. Winchester Repeating Arms was a company dedicated to producing the best American firearms;the Winchester Repeating Rifle has remained in history as one of their most famous models,particularly the limited number of 1873 rifles manufactured and chambered for a 22 rimfire cartridge.

The second half of the 19th century was constantly dominated by the name ofWinchester, the 1866 model being improved on a regular basis. In 1876, theWinchester Repeating Rifle was redesigned once more and this time it waschambered for center-fire rifle cartridges. The gun was introduced at a specialcelebration, meaning the American 100th Anniversary and persisted as one ofthe most potent hunting rifles. This particular model was used for a long timeby the Federal Police Force of Canada and at the same time it was owned bythe 26th President of America, Theodore Roosevelt, who considered it to beust perfect for his hunting expeditions. The next Winchester Repeating Riflewas designed by the illustrious John Browning and it was released on themarket in 1886. The firearm was chambered for powerful cartridges, usingblack powder and it managed to impress everyone.

The 1892 model from Winchester was in fact one of the very first lever guns ever designed andmanufactured. Though it was chambered for pocket-size rounds it had an incredible firepower and itsurpassed by far the previous existing models. Almost one million models were made and they areeven manufactured today under a different name. The modern models of the 1892 WinchesterRepeating Rifle are made from innovative materials, being long-lasting and they are especially

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chambered for more powerful cartridges, including the famous 357 and 44 Magnums. Not manypeople know that the 1892 rifle had in fact replaced another firearm designed by the same JohnBrowning, the 1873 model. John Browning continued to be for many years an important member ofthe Winchester team, designing various firearms and introducing revolutionary ideas. He is the onewho allowed Winchester to remain just as famous and defeat competition. Together, they formed anincredible partnership and they came up with the first rifle and cartridge for the new smokeless

powder, namely the Winchester 1894 model. North America was definitely impressed with thefirearms developed by Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the 1894 became one of the most

popular rifles, being sold in millions of units.

In 1885, Winchester issued another innovation to the general public using a previous design of JohnBrowning from 1878. The rifle was called the Winchester Single Shot and it was especially welcomedby those who were into sporting shooting competitions. At that time, target shooting was one of themost popular competitions and the Single Shot Rifle increased their popularity even more. Winchesterwas competing at that time with important names in the American firearm manufacturing industryincluding Remington and Ballard but somehow the company managed to win all battles and remainthe undefeated champion. The gun was described as dependable, powerful and was probably one ofthe best single shot rifles ever made.

Specialists working for Winchester Repeating Arms Company decided to test all the newly-madeammunition with this rifle and the results were more than satisfactory. Due to the increased demandsfrom hunting and sporting shooting enthusiasts, the Single Shot Rifle started to be mass-produced,being chambered for a wide variety of cartridges. It took another 85 years for the rifle to be producedonce more, having the same 19th and 20th century cartridges. The limited editions were extremelywell received among gun collectors. Todays 1885 Single Shot rifles are far from being the firearmsJohn Browning imagined. They are made using the latest technological innovations, use long-lastingmaterials such as steel and are chambered for groundbreaking cartridges.

And if you are wondering what kind of weapons are used in those old country Westerns you love somuch to watch, then you should know that they belong to the same famous name, Winchester. John

Wayne became famous during the 1950s with his Winchester carbines and throughout timeWinchester rifles have gained a reputation on their own. They were not only adopted by the filmingindustry but they were also used extensively in the Second World War. Winchesters rifles havestarted to be exceeded by new bolt-action rifles; the response came in the form of the 70 Winchesterrifle in 1936. It was one of the most successful bolt-action rifles ever made and discovered a wholenew world of possibilities for hunting enthusiasts.

As for the 1894 Marlin rifle, history has probably just as many things to recount. The lever-actionrepeating rifle was designed and produced under the name of Marlin Firearms Company. The riflehad a barrel of 24 inches and was chambered for several cartridges including: 25-20, 32-20, 38-40and 44-40. It was not the first lever-action repeating rifle produced by Marlin Firearms but it was by far

the most popular. The very first model was manufactured in 1881 and it was followed by an 1889model, completely improved. The final 1894 model was a result of many years of hard work anddedication, featuring an innovative trigger and firing pin mechanism. There are several versions of thealready famous 1894 rifle but they are all lever-action rifles. As for stainless steel editions, there isone single firearm to fit that description, meaning the 1894 SS rifle, chambered for the 44 Magnumcalibers.

If you want to understand the history of American firearms, then there is no better way to start thanwith these two prestigious manufacturers. As one can observe, both these two famous personalitieshave a very interesting story to tell, proving that America is indeed a country where all dreams cometrue. They worked extremely hard for what they believed in and their inventions stand as testimony

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today. And if there is one thing that could be mentioned about their prestige and incredible dedication,that would be bravo!