“winchester model 1886”

Display will include rare Winchester Model 1886 takedown, Savage Model 1899 Rifle and more.

It was 150 years ago that the name “Winchester” was first stamped on a rifle. But Winchester’s narrative began well before that, and it is a tale tied to the American West, to the wars of the 20th century, to big personalities such as John Browning and John Olin, and to the manufacture of billions of cartridges and millions of rifles and shotguns beloved by generations of Americans.

It’s as big as the Grand Canyon, it’s right at home when chambered in a classic lever gun like the Winchester Model 1886, the Marlin Model 1895 or a classic Sharps falling block, and like America herself, it’s big enough to handle Alaska. Meet the "Most American" rifle cartridge: the .45-70 Government.

Over the decades, several cartridges have proved themselves as worthy against charging bears in North America. Here’s a look at the best bear defense cartridges ever made.

Our 2019 collection of our member's best hunts.

Iowa and other states are opening shotgun-only deer seasons to straight-walled cartridges like the .45-70 Gov’t., .444 Marlin and .450 Bushmaster. Here’s how to wring the most performance from their rainbow-like trajectories.

The Model 1886 remains at the top of the heap of excellent lever-action rifles. Whether new or vintage, having one in your safe is never a bad idea, and it’s a great choice for nearly any big game at ranges suitable for the big rimmed cartridges.

For over a century, the .375 H&H has routinely, consistently and reliably made happy hunters around the world, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it continues to do so for another century.

Both are cartridges are suitable for nearly any big-game animal, save the African dangerous heavyweights, and both have fervent, passionate followers. Contributor Philip Massaro takes a closer look at the similarities, differences and applications of each.