Winchester rifle refers to any of the lever-action rifles manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, though the company has also manufactured many rifles of other action types. Winchester rifles were among the earliest repeating rifles; the Winchester repeater is colloquially known as "The Gun that Won the West" for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers.
Read more about Winchester Rifle: Predecessors, Development, Winchester Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle, Bolt-action Rifles, 1964 Changes
Famous quotes containing the words winchester and/or rifle:
“Up from the South at break of day,
Bringing to Winchester fresh dismay,
The affrighted air with a shudder bore,
Like a herald in haste, to the chieftains door,
The terrible grumble, and rumble, and roar,
Telling the battle was on once more,
And Sheridan twenty miles away.”
—Thomas Buchanan Read (18221872)
“At Hayes General Store, west of the cemetery, hangs an old army rifle, used by a discouraged Civil War veteran to end his earthly troubles. The grocer took the rifle as payment on account.”
—Administration for the State of Con, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)