November 7, 2015

Thanks for the link, Rob.
David Beck’s excellent article on Lt Freeman’s Henry is what I had in mind in my earlier post, just got around to reading it this morning. Real gun, real person, real events from a different perspective. Much of what I’ve read is from the perspective of the leading actors of the time, I enjoy the story of a participant in those events. Well written and researched.
Looking forward to the Kruse article but a quick scan tells me that’s not a collection, it’s a museum. Wow!
For me, the following types of articles are greatly enjoyed …
- First and foremost are the articles that focus on a particular Winchester Model. These are a very valuable resource for collectors.
- Articles about the history and provenance of a particular Winchester (e.g., ‘Lt. Freeman’s Henry Rifle s/n 4615’ in the latest issue)
- Articles featuring a particular Winchester cartridge, such as John Kort’s fabulous article on the 44 W.C.F. in the latest issue. There are so many interesting ones.
- A hunt story featuring a particular Winchester (e.g., ‘A Waterbuck and a 405’). It is always enjoyable to read and see an old Winchester doing what it was built to do.
- Articles related to Winchester history (e.g., the Eli Whitney story in the latest issue)
- Charts, tables and data to do with Winchesters. The latest article on Winchester Research Surveys was excellent.
Suggestion:
How about a ‘centrefold’ photo and caption for each issue. What I am thinking of is a full page, beautiful photo of a classic Winchester, and caption featuring some information about that particular rifle (factory info, provenance, etc.). I got this idea from drooling over the photos in the auction adverts in the journal and wishing I could see more of the rifles. Sometimes, a single beautiful photo of a vintage Winchester can awaken a non-collector and catapult him or her into starting a collection.
Hi Kirk
I’m glad you enjoyed the last issue. Rob and I have been discussing something very much like your suggestion. I doubt we can give up the real estate in the center, but we may put a Winchester(s) on or near the back page as a regular item in every issue. Sort of a combination of the “What’s New” section on this forum and the format of the WACA Member Calendar, with added text or images if needed. Hopefully we will get some interesting submissions for that spot once we get started.
Thanks,
Brad
November 7, 2015

Rob Kassab said
Did you gentlemen know there are more photos of David Kruse’s Winchester Store?Check it out:
https://winchestercollector.org/a-passion-for-everything-winchester/
Wow. Other than that pretty much speechless.
I think there will be an article or series of articles in the future regarding photographing old rifles. You were one of the people that helped me along with that task a few years back. That will surely be an important part of the success of that page. There are definitely a lot of special Winchesters out there to be photographed!
November 7, 2015

Didn’t see photo credits for the Kruse article, I really enjoyed them.
TXGunNut said
Didn’t see photo credits for the Kruse article, I really enjoyed them.
Jennifer Gole took the photos…..
Rob Kassab
Director & Executive Editor
Winchester Arms Collectors Association
To greatly enhance your collecting experience, join WACA. It's only $35 / year (eMembership), and you'll be able to directly upload photos on the forum, receive the e-version of our quarterly magazine and have full online access to our magazine archive database, along with many other member benefits such as 15 additional record searches for Cody Firearms Museum members. It’s easy to join at http://winchestercollector.org/register/.
November 7, 2015

Thanks, Rob. Somehow I knew you had the answer for that one.
Finally got around to reading John Kort’s article on the 44WCF. Very good article, lots of good info. I’ve been reading John’s posts on old Winchesters and BP cartridges for years on a cast bullet forum, good to see an article from him on a subject he truly enjoys and understands.
To All;
I haven’t been around for the last few months I’m sorry to say. Family things took priority. There are plenty of articles in the older editions that many could get very good info out of. Perhaps a Re-Run of some of them would be enjoyed be many of the Membership. I’m laying back on the Winchesters for awhile, and hunting for a replacement for my 1977 Corvette. I’ve owned this ‘Vette for the last 26 years, and decided it’s time for something different. Wally B., you’ll be interested to know I’m hunting for that Jag XK8, one with the 4.2 liter engine. I’m going to be looking for a “Fixed Head” version first. If I can’t find a real good one, I’ll then look for a Roadster. I’ll let you know how I make out via the phone. Take care All,
Apache (YaTaHeyKola)
November 7, 2015

Wow, Winter 2017 magazine looks like another winner! Finally got around to scanning it and read Mr. Bresnan’s article on the Civil War Henry’s. I think I’ll have to re-read that article before moving on to another. Was very impressed by Bresnan’s list of reference materials and his conversational writing style.
Glad you liked it! thanks for the feedback.
Rob Kassab
Director & Executive Editor
Winchester Arms Collectors Association
To greatly enhance your collecting experience, join WACA. It's only $35 / year (eMembership), and you'll be able to directly upload photos on the forum, receive the e-version of our quarterly magazine and have full online access to our magazine archive database, along with many other member benefits such as 15 additional record searches for Cody Firearms Museum members. It’s easy to join at http://winchestercollector.org/register/.
November 7, 2015

Another thing about the Winter issue: the “Topp” article is certainly top shelf. (pun intended) The first gun shop I frequented had an Indian head “drawn” on a brass (?) sheet with a .22. Owner of the shop at that time was there when it was “drawn” but IIRC the artist was Ad, not Plinky. I don’t think enough has been written about the Topperweins, was glad to see this article. Nicely done!
Back to the Civil War Henry article; would be very nice to have a mint rifle and a big pile of ammo to wring it out but I doubt that will ever happen. My conclusion is that even 150 yrs ago shooters had trouble estimating distances and they had no lasers to fall back on. OTOH a big, slow chunk of lead is lethal a bit further than most folks believe. Fascinating article.
I too enjoyed the article about the Toepperwein’s as they are part of our local history here in the San Antonio area. My father inherited one of Ad’s plinked Indian heads on sheet steel when he bought out a gun shop in San Antonio. It used to have an inscription and his signature written on the back in grease pen or pencil but when our gun store burned down in the 70’s the writing on the back was lost–still have the artwork though.
Here is another article about the Toepperweins.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
I too, enjoyed the Topperwein article. I have an original Topperwein poster, autographed and dated August 28, 1941. This poster was a gift to a friend of mine by Ad and Plinky, who were putting on a shooting exhibition at the Flathead County fairgrounds in Kalispell, Montana.
I’m glad to read the comments on the Elizabeth Topperwein article. I know Jim was happy to read them too.
Thanks
November 7, 2015

Newbie question here: I enjoyed Bert’s article on the 1893 shotgun even tho I have little interest in Winchester shotguns in general or the 1893 in particular. Found myself wondering what defect or flaw, if anything, this urban legend of the 1893 recall may have been based.
Very much enjoyed the latest 1866 article. Was wondering about the logistics of supplying the Henry ammo to the soldiers and was pleased when that was addressed to some extent. I can only imagine the challenges presented by this somewhat new concept in ammunition.
Another great issue, looking forward to the rest of it but I have to ration it out to make it last. I like the short articles, feel like I got to take a peak into someone’s safe. ?
TXGunNut said
Newbie question here: I enjoyed Bert’s article on the 1893 shotgun even tho I have little interest in Winchester shotguns in general or the 1893 in particular. Found myself wondering what defect or flaw, if anything, this urban legend of the 1893 recall may have been based.Very much enjoyed the latest 1866 article. Was wondering about the logistics of supplying the Henry ammo to the soldiers and was pleased when that was addressed to some extent. I can only imagine the challenges presented by this somewhat new concept in ammunition.
Another great issue, looking forward to the rest of it but I have to ration it out to make it last. I like the short articles, feel like I got to take a peak into someone’s safe. ?
Mike,
The defect (flaw) was that people who owned Model 1893 shotguns were stuffing 2-3/4″ smokeless powder shells (made for the Model 1897) in their guns made with a 2-5/8″ chamber. The receiver frame on the Model 1897 was made stronger (thicker), and longer to accommodate the higher pressure smokeless powder shells. If the proper shells are used, there is nothing wrong with a Model 1893 shotgun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015

I understand that “defect” all too well. My brother has our granddad’s old shotgun chambered for the shorter shells. I told him repeatedly NOT to fire it and why. He insisted on doing so and remarked that it kicked pretty hard. Then I explained to him AGAIN why he shouldn’t fire it. I think I understand Winchester’s frustration.
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