The Whittington Center Museum celebrated its grand opening in 2008 with very few firearms owned by the Center. The bulk of those on display were on loan from other individuals or institutions. Much of this changed when a donor in Arizona left his lifelong collection of firearms to the Center. Among the firearms of this collection were a good assortment of Winchester rifles and carbines. With these firearms we could assemble a nice display of Winchester's lever action rifles, though we had to use a replica of a Henry rifle to make the exhibit complete. Just viewing a replica was enough to satisfy most of the museum visitors, but we still held out hope of someday completing the collection with a real Henry rifle.
Recently this wish came true when another donor willed his Henry to the Whittington Center. From the available records we have learned this firearm was manufactured in 1864. The Center's Winchester lever action display is finally complete.
If you are not familiar with the Henry rifle just imagine the first successful lever action rifle produced by a Winchester Company. This rifle set the standard for Winchester's long line of lever action firearms that continues today.
The Henry has a long period of evolution with some of America's top gunsmiths of the mid 1800's working on the design of an easily operated breech loading rifle. A short list of those gunsmiths includes Walter Hunt, Lewis Jennings, Horace Smith, Daniel Wesson, and B. Tyler Henry. At the time Oliver Winchester was not interested in firearms as he was busy running a shirt factory in New England, but he did invest in the Volcanic Firearms Company which was run by Smith and Wesson. When the Volcanic company ran into financial problems Winchester bought the company and used it to create the New Haven Firearms Company.
Tyler Henry was a skilled gunsmith, having worked for several other companies in the New England area. He and Oliver Winchester became acquainted when he was hired to repair the sewing machines in Winchesters shirt factory. Recognizing Henry's talents, Winchester put him to work in his New Haven factory where Henry designed a workable rifle and had it patented in his own name.
From 1860 until 1865 the New Haven Firearms Company produced approximately 12,000 of this new rifle. This was the period of the Civil War which created a huge demand for all types of firearms. Winchester recognized the financial benefits of a War Department contract, so he had the new rifle chambered in a caliber that was large enough to interest the War Department, but small enough to prevent the rifle from being too heavy. The cartridge for the Henry rifle is a .44-26 with a 200-grain bullet. The long magazine tube, which extended the full length of the barrel, held fifteen cartridges. To quote one Confederate soldier, "Those Yanks can load it on Sunday and shoot all week."
Despite the advantages of such a firearm, the War Department purchased only 1700 Henry rifles, but their reluctance was not shared by many Union soldiers who purchased the firearm with their own money. It is estimated that three fourths of the total production of Henry rifles saw action during the Civil War.
In 1866 the New Haven Firearms Company became the Winchester Firearms Company and much of their continued success is due to B. Tyler Henry and his rifle.
The general public is welcome to stay at the Whittington Center. There is a broad range of housing to accommodate individuals, couples, and small to large groups.
The NRA Whittington Center hosts hundreds of private and public events every year. Take a look at our schedule and plan your visit today.
All Whittington-U courses are taught on 360 degree ranges where dynamic movement, defensive posture and the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship are emphasized.
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