First Look: Winchester Model 1866 150th Anniversary

The Winchester Model 1866 is known as one of the iconic rifles of the American West. More importantly, it was also the first rifle built and sold by Winchester Repeating Arms, which is now celebrating its 150th anniversary.

To celebrate this historic milestone, Winchester is building 500 special 150th commemorative editions of its Model 66. The rifles will feature custom-grade V/VI straight grip walnut stocks with a satin oil finish, along with the signature brass receiver with 150th anniversary engravings from the company. The engravings will be done in classic Ulrich style, including the Winchester horse and rider along with the Winchester Repeating Arms scroll trademark.

The rifle itself features a brass crescent buttplate and a deeply polished full octagon 24-inch barrel with a gold barrel band chambered in .44-40. The barrel itself will include special 150th anniversary script.

The Winchester Model 1866 150th Anniversary will have a ladder-style carbine rear sight with a blade front sight, emulating the look found on the original Model 1866. In addition to the included sights, the receiver top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight. The gun will also have a polished blue steel loading gate to facilitate smoother loading.

Winchester will be unveiling its 500 special editions later this year at a suggested retail price of $3,329.99.

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