Winchester Lever-Action Rifles

Winchester lever-action repeating rifles are an integral part of the folklore of the American West. Introduced after the American Civil War, the first Winchester, the M1866, would go on to see military service as far afield as Bulgaria, but it was in the hands of civilians that it would become known as 'The gun that won the west'. Offering a lethal combination of portability, ruggedness and ammunition interchangeability with pistol sidearms, the Winchesters and their innovative and elegant breech-loading system represented a revolutionary design. They were used by a staggering variety of military and civilian groups - gold-miners, trappers, hunters, farmers, lawmen, professional gunmen and Native Americans. It equipped a whole generation of settlers and as such left an imprint on American culture that continues to resonate today. This book explores the Winchesters' unique place in history, revealing the technical secrets of their success with a full array of colour artwork, period illustrations and close-up photographs.

Martin Pegler has a BA Hons in Medieval and Modern History and an MA in Museum Studies from University College, London, and was for many years the Senior Curator of Firearms at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Out of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper (Osprey, 2004). Mark Stacey was born in Manchester in 1964 and st in all periods of history, particularly military history, and has specialized in this area throughout his career. Alan Gilliland is a writer, illustrator and publisher who has contributed to more than 70 Osprey titles. He won 19 awards over 19 years as the graphics editor of the Daily Telegraph.

Introduction Development: "The ability to shoot repeatedly" Use: North, South - and West Impact: The Winchester's place in history Conclusion Select bibliography Index