In the study and appreciation of American history, and in understanding the crucial role played by firearms in that extraordinary saga, one of the most famous gunmakers is Winchester. Their products are so much in demand that they indisputably hold the title of the Blue Chips of gun collecting. And while a notable amount of literature on these marques has appeared in print, much of it from the period of post-World War II, there are still major categories which demand focused books. Such works are in response not only to the "need to know" from students, historians and collectors, but also are a powerful reflection of the ever-expanding explosion of interest in the magical world of firearms. The study of arms is a highly visual, and technical, pursuit. Having the objects sitting on a page, as if they are on the reader's desk, is a true delight. Few photographers can equal those images of excellence. And no one today can match his combination of skill, aptitude and artistry at doing both text and photographs

This "must have" for Winchester collectors gives you exceptional photos and text on collectible Winchester shotguns and shotshells manufactured through 1961. Author Ron Stadt also offers extensive coverage on shotshells and their boxes.

Photographs and text present the history of the Winchester firearm, including their rifles, shotguns and revolvers beginning in 1866 to 1992.

This book ranks near the top as one of the all-time favorite collector firearms. Author Ned Schwing gives you the most accurate and complete book on the Model 42 ever written.

America's great gunmakers are more than industrial entities. They are centers of exacting craftsmanship and precision engineering, and they are truly living legends. American gunmakers built not only the guns that won the Wild West but the guns that won both World Wars, and which today delight demanding sportsmen the world over. In this volume of America's Premier Gunmakers you will read about: Oliver F. Winchester's Company, Winchester and the Age of Smokeless Powder, The Company's Entry Into The Twentieth Century, The Western Cartridge Company, Winchester Today, Major Browning Winchester Models and Major Winchesters Through The Years. Oliver F. Winchester was born in Boston in 1810. His impoverished youth was followed by an apprenticeship with a carpenter. By age twenty-one, he became a master builder. Winchester first invested his talent and money in the gun business in 1855, when he became one of the original stockholders of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. Winchester never failed to publicize the fact that its guns were the first choice of star performers, such as Buffalo Bill Cody. This semi-elitism became the hallmark of Winchester advertising. A typical example would read: "Look all the makes over, but if you are not swayed from your purpose of getting the gun with the maximum strength, safety, ease, and certainty, good shooting and good wearing qualities, you will surely select a Winchester." Carefully researched and illustrated with more than 100 photographs, this book tells the full story of Winchester firearms.

This "must have" for Winchester collectors gives you exceptional photos and text on collectible Winchester shotguns and shotshells manufactured through 1961. Author Ron Stadt also offers extensive coverage on shotshells and their boxes.