Origins and Invention of the Model 1890 and Model 90 Rifles
The Winchester Model 1890 and its successor, the Model 90, stand as iconic examples of American firearms engineering from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These rifles, primarily intended for small game hunting and target shooting, were a staple in the arsenals of many households and shooting galleries across America.
The genesis of the Winchester Model 1890 traces back to the innovations of John Moses Browning, a name synonymous with firearm ingenuity. Browning, who held numerous patents and had designed several successful firearms, was approached by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company to create a reliable pump-action rifle that could utilize rimfire cartridges. His design, which featured a tubular magazine and a simple yet robust pump-action mechanism, was revolutionary. The rifle's action was designed to be strong and smooth, ensuring reliability and ease of use.
The People Behind the Design
John Moses Browning, the mastermind behind the Model 1890, was already a celebrated firearm designer by the time he collaborated with Winchester. Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1855, Browning's contributions to firearms design were unparalleled. He held over 120 patents and was responsible for designing numerous iconic weapons, including the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), the M1911 pistol, and the M2 Browning machine gun.
Winchester's role in bringing the Model 1890 to market cannot be overstated. At the helm of Winchester during this period was Thomas Gray Bennett, who played a pivotal role in the company's operations. Under his leadership, Winchester capitalized on Browning's designs, leading to the creation of some of the most famous firearms in history.
The Company: Winchester Repeating Arms
Winchester Repeating Arms Company, founded in 1866 by Oliver Winchester, had established itself as a premier manufacturer of firearms. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the company's factory became a hub of innovation and production. Winchester's success was built on its ability to recognize and exploit the talents of designers like Browning.
Production and Factory Locations
The Winchester Model 1890 was produced from 1890 to 1932, with the Model 90, essentially a rebranded version, continuing production until 1941. The rifles were manufactured at Winchester's New Haven factory, a sprawling complex that was a center of firearm production during its peak years.
Production numbers for the Model 1890 and Model 90 are impressive. Approximately 849,000 units of the Model 1890 were produced, while the Model 90 saw around 736,000 units made. These numbers reflect the popularity and reliability of these rifles during their production years.
Comparisons to Competitors
During the same period, competitors such as Marlin and Remington were also producing pump-action rifles. The Marlin Model 1892, for instance, was a direct competitor, though it did not achieve the same level of success as the Winchester rifles. Remington's offerings, such as the Remington Model 12, were also popular but often considered less robust than the Winchesters.
Variations and Calibers
The Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 came in several variations, primarily differing in terms of caliber and materials used. The primary calibers offered were:
- .22 Short
- .22 Long
- .22 Long Rifle
- .22 WRF (Winchester Rim Fire)
Among these, the .22 WRF is considered the most uncommon today. The rifles were typically offered with either an octagonal or round barrel, with lengths generally ranging from 24 to 26 inches.
Specific Variations
- First Model (1890-1892):
This early version featured a solid frame and was chambered exclusively in .22 Short. - Second Model (1892-1908):
Introduced a takedown frame, allowing for easier transportation and cleaning.
Offered in .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle. - Third Model (1908-1941):
Featured further refinements to the action and aesthetics.
Available in all four calibers, with .22 WRF being introduced in this model.
Competitors and Similar Models
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several manufacturers sought to compete with Winchester in the small-caliber pump-action rifle market. Notable among these were:
- Marlin Firearms Company:
- Marlin Model 1892: This rifle was similar in operation to the Winchester but was less popular.
- Marlin Model 20: Another pump-action rifle that competed directly with the Winchester models. - Remington Arms Company:
- Remington Model 12: Introduced in 1909, this rifle was a strong competitor to the Winchester models and offered in similar calibers. - Savage Arms Company:
- Savage Model 1903: Another pump-action rifle, though it did not achieve the same level of success as Winchester's offerings.
Replacement Models
Winchester's success with the Model 1890 and Model 90 eventually led to the development of newer models to keep up with technological advancements and market demands. Notable among these were:
- Winchester Model 1906:
Designed as a more affordable alternative to the Model 1890, the Model 1906 was offered in .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle. It was intended for younger shooters and beginners. - Winchester Model 61:
Released in 1932 alongside the Model 62, the Model 61 featured a streamlined design and was available in a wider range of .22 calibers, including .22 WRF and .22 Magnum. - Winchester Model 62:
Introduced in 1932, the Model 62 replaced the Model 1890/90 series. It featured an improved action and a more modern design, chambered in the same .22 calibers.
Legacy and Influence
The Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 rifles have left an indelible mark on the history of American firearms. Their robust design, reliability, and accuracy made them favorites among hunters, target shooters, and collectors. The influence of Browning's design can be seen in many subsequent firearms, not just from Winchester but from other manufacturers as well.
Conclusion
The Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 rifles are more than just firearms; they are symbols of a bygone era of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. From their origins in the fertile mind of John Moses Browning to their production at the renowned Winchester factory in New Haven, these rifles have earned their place in the annals of firearm history. Their variations, calibers, and the competitive landscape in which they thrived tell a story of innovation, competition, and excellence. As collectors and historians look back on these models, they continue to represent the pinnacle of small-caliber pump-action rifle design, a testament to the enduring legacy of Winchester and the genius of John Moses Browning.
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