What Gun Really Won the West?

by
posted on May 23, 2011
** 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. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (1)

The Question: Was the gun that won the West really a Winchester?

The Expert Deferral:

My NRA-sources—the authorities—say not exactly.

Settlers moved west only after Lewis and Clark explored it first, and how did they do that without getting killed by hostile natives?

Key to their survival was the large-caliber Girandoni air rifle they brought on the expedition that struck fear into the natives. This smokeless thunderstick made them think twice before attacking the vastly outnumbered explorers. So, by this logic, the West was really won with an air rifle. Check out the full story on YouTube.com that received over 2 million hits in just a few days. The spot was presented by NRA/National Firearms Museum Senior Curator and frequent History Channel contributor, Phil Schreier.

The Answer: Maybe the Winchester contributed to winning the West, but only after an air rifle paved the way.

Latest

Ledenew World Screwworm Closing
Ledenew World Screwworm Closing

New World Screwworm Closing the Gap to the Border

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in April that the New World Screwworm (NWS) is closer to the Texas border than ever before in this latest outbreak. On April 20 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned, “The threat of the New World screwworm is creeping dangerously close to our border. A confirmed case in Nuevo León, just about 60 miles from the United States, in a young calf is a flashing red warning sign we will not ignore.”

10mm Auto Pistol Caliber Carbines: The 'Best' Outdoor Option?

Last year we posed the question, "Is the 10mm Auto PCC the next great outdoor carbine?" while taking a look at a few of the models currently in production. Since then, the selection has continued to grow. Are the PCCs chambered for 10mm Auto the most powerful options out there? The answer is yes, and no. It's a matter of context. Let's take a look at what these carbines have to offer compared to those chambered in other handgun calibers.

New for 2026: Updated Federal Upland Steel

Federal Ammunition has two new 12-gauge loads in its Upland Steel shotshell lineup. Built for consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance with non-lead shot, these new offerings are being delivered to retailers nationwide and expand the versatility of the Upland Steel product line.

New for 2026: ATN TICO 6 Thermal Clip-On

ATN Corp. has announced it's TICO 6 Thermal Clip-On, a next-generation thermal clip-on designed for hunters looking for a thermal upgrade to their favorite daytime scope.

Tips & Tactics: Hone Your Tiny-Tract Turkey Skills

Different is good despite what peers and friends may say about your contradictory ways. Staying the course as different could be your key strategy when hunting a small property for turkeys this spring. Curveball tactics, unexpected pop-ins and tossing time-honored tactics all could flow in your favor while hunting a tiny tract for turkeys.

First Look: Bond Arms 250th Anniversary Hand Cannon

Bond Arms has introduced its America 250th Special Edition Hand Cannon, a limited-edition heirloom created to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.