Which rifle, introduced in 1873, became known as the “Gun That Won the West”?

The rifle introduced in 1873 that became known as the “Gun That Won the West” was the Winchester Model 1873.

The Winchester Model 1873 was a lever-action repeating rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It commonly used the .44-40 Winchester cartridge, which could also be fired by compatible revolvers, simplifying ammunition for some users on the frontier.

Its large-scale production, reliable lever action, and ability to fire multiple rounds made it popular with settlers, hunters, lawmen, and soldiers. The phrase “Gun That Won the West” was a later promotional nickname rather than an official historical title, and the West was shaped by many firearms and by people who used them.

The rifle followed the Winchester Model 1866, which itself developed from the Henry rifle. Winchester continued producing Model 1873 rifles in several configurations for decades.