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Just wondering what everyone’s opinion is on which books a Winchester collector “must have” for reference in his or her library. I understand there are many Model specific books and by all means include those. I am trying to figure out what are considered the best books out there for reference and information.
Doug
Ah for the simple days when a copy of Madis was considered all you really needed! When most collectors regarded him as THE infallible authority!
You never have to many gun books, I have many all bought and worn out by me. Some are very accurate and others ok, all worth reading. All Winchester collectors should have “The Winchester Book by George Madis”. “Catalogues W.R.A. CO.” is a twelve volume set of Winchester Catalogues from 1865 to 1918 reprinted by Armory Publications in 1992, very helpful if your interest is antique. If your interest is modern, state models and I’m sure you will get many suggestions. T/R
I do have “The Winchester Book” by Madis. Was just curious about any other books that might be considered worth finding. My current interests are in 86’s, 71’s, and 64’s.
Doug
Doug,
There are many very good reference books, some that are good, and some that are not so good. We all have our own opinions about which specific books fall into those three categories, and I will leave my person opinion out of it as much as possible. I am of the belief that the books that cover a specific model and its variations are the way to go if you are seeking to learn the finer details. There is just one book that discusses and lists 100% of the “pre-64” Models and variation (The Red Book of Winchester Values), but it does not contain the technical detail that many collectors are seeking.
Some of my favorites are;
1. “The Winchester Single-Shot” by John Campbell
2. “The Winchester Single-Shot Volume II” by John Campbell
3. “Winchester Repeating Arms Company: Its History & Development from 1865 to 1981” by Herbert G. Houze
4. “To The Dreams of Youth, Winchester .22 Caliber Single Shot Rifles” by Herbert Houze
5. “The Winchester Model 94 A Century of Craftsmanship” Robert C. Renneberg
6. “The Greatest Hammerless Repeating Shotgun Ever Built The Model 12, 1912-1964” by Dave Riffle
7. “The Rifleman’s Rifle” by Roger C. Rule
8. “Winchester Slide-Action Rifles, Volumes I & II” by Ned Schwing
9. “Identify your Model 1886 Winchester” by John Madl
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Madis’ “Winchester Book”, of course. Inaccuracies and all, still a great reference. Wilson’s “Winchester, an American Legend” is a great coffee table book and a good read. Williamson’s “The Winchester Lever Legacy” is an essential for the levergun hunter/reloader. Venturino’s “Shooting Leverguns on the Old West” for those of us who insist on shooting our collectable Winchesters. Renneberg’s “Winchester Model 94” for a book that explores the rifle that defines Winchester for many people. Browning and Gentry’s “Browning, American Gunmaker” to help understand how many of Winchester’s most successful products came to be. John Campbell’s books on the Single Shots because this is the rifle that got things rolling for Winchester and Browning. Shennum and Hartman’s “Red Book of Winchester Values” to help recognize and evaluate potential purchases. Schwing’s books on the slide action rifles for collectors focused on rimfires. I only have the first volume (so far) because I was mainly interested in the 1890.
The above are part of my growing reference library, I know there are many more outstanding books on the subject but these have been a good starting place for me. A glaring hole in my little library is books by Herbert Houze but I’ll address that soon. Schwing has other books I hope to acquire as finances permit.
I’m as interested in technical details as anyone else, but none of the above works shed very much light on how the company was organized, who made the important decisions (Campbell’s 2nd vol. is a notable exception), and how those decisions, such as the foray into the general hardware business, impacted the financial well-being of the company. One (maybe the only one!) that does is Harold Williamson’s Winchester, a fascinating biography of the company itself.
TXGunNut said
A glaring hole in my little library is books by Herbert Houze but I’ll address that soon.
Just between you and me, I’ve always been rather disappointed in his 52 book, though I concede it’s currently the best thing available on this subject.
November 7, 2015
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I might add another essential is an Amazon account. Many of the above-mentioned books are out of print and some are a bit pricey. Not a big fan of Amazon but they’ve been a reliable source of out of print and other obscure books for me for years. I know there are other sources for these books but Amazon is trusted and easy to deal with.
November 7, 2015
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clarence saidJust between you and me, I’ve always been rather disappointed in his 52 book, though I concede it’s currently the best thing available on this subject.
I was actually referring to Houze’s book on single-shot .22’s but will likely add his 52 book someday. Not one to procrastinate I addressed that shortcoming by ordering the “Dreams of Youth” book minutes after that post. I’m way behind on my reading, one byproduct of my recent wanderings is a stack of books to be read.
Doug,
I have just put several of the above books on eBay yesterday. Look at Williamson’s Winchester,
and then check ” sellers other items” to see other books. They are at very low prices.
I have yet to put up Wilson’s ” Winchester An American Legend”, and the Madis books: ERA, Handbook, and Sight Book. Also, 2 Colt books.
The timing is good for you !
Bill 
email me at [email protected] with questions or a plan.
Doug Green said
I do have “The Winchester Book” by Madis. Was just curious about any other books that might be considered worth finding. My current interests are in 86’s, 71’s, and 64’s.Doug
You sound like a collector with specialized interests, similar to my approach. I’m only interested in “collecting” 1885’s, 1886′ and 1892’s. I am interested in all the lever actions but those are the only ones I’m actively acquiring and am in the process of, or have, disposed of the rest (except for a few pre-1931 1894’s I’ll keep). With that in mind, instead of a shotgun approach and buying everything suggested (and all the above suggestions are excellent choices), I’d next acquire the Williamson’s book as well as Pirkle’s book on the Models 1886 and 1892. Once you’ve fully digested these two, you’ll know which one(s) to go after next.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Thanks everyone. This is exactly what I was looking for. I would like to thank Bert and Larry for putting together “The Red Book of Winchester values”. It is well organized and laid out. Very easy to use and I reference it often.
Doug
Wincacher, yes a more specialized approach to collecting seems to suit me best. I will always buy what catches my eye but really try to focus on those models for now. I will take your advice and see what I can find.
Doug
TXGunNut said
I might add another essential is an Amazon account. Many of the above-mentioned books are out of print and some are a bit pricey. Not a big fan of Amazon but they’ve been a reliable source of out of print and other obscure books for me for years. I know there are other sources for these books but Amazon is trusted and easy to deal with.
For out of print books I’ve had luck using these sites:
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
November 7, 2015
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My copy of Houze’ “Dreams of Youth” showed up today! It’s on top of my “to be read” books.
Been reading a couple of docunovels; one about Hugh Glass and the other about Custer et al recently and ready for a change of pace.
TXGunNut said
My copy of Houze’ “Dreams of Youth” showed up today! It’s on top of my “to be read” books.
It is a good book and should push you further down the path toward an extensive Winchester .22 collection.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
November 7, 2015
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JWA said
TXGunNut said
My copy of Houze’ “Dreams of Youth” showed up today! It’s on top of my “to be read” books.It is a good book and should push you further down the path toward an extensive Winchester .22 collection.
Best Regards,
Wish you’d told me that a few weeks ago, lol. I think I’m already well on my way. I gave a very nice Ruger 10-22 Sporter to a youngster recently because I realized it hasn’t left my safe in years and with my interest in Winchester 22’s it likely never would.
Book looks new! This morning’s trip to the trap range cancelled on account of rain so I might as well settle in with Herb’s book and a cup of coffee.
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