By the late 1890s, John Moses Browning was already a known name in firearm design circles. He had given Winchester some of its most iconic lever-actions, including the Model 1885, 1886, 1892, and 1895. But by the time 1896 rolled around, Browning was ready to tackle a new frontier: the semi-automatic pistol.
By the early 1880s, Winchester was at a crossroads. Their popular Model 1876, an enlarged version of the classic Model 1873, had made a name for itself as a solid rifle, but it had one big limitation—it wasn’t quite strong enough to handle the big-bore, high-power cartridges that were becoming essential for serious hunting and long-range shooting. The toggle-link action, which had served Winchester well since the days of the Henry rifle, simply wasn’t up to the task. Enter John Moses Browning.
The Winchester Model 1897, a brainchild of John Moses Browning, had already established itself as a mainstay in the pump-action shotgun world by the dawn of the 20th century. But even the best designs need refinement, and Winchester wanted to build a hammerless successor that was sleeker, more refined, and more reliable.
John Moses Browning, always ahead of the curve, had already introduced the Winchester Model 1893, an innovative pump-action shotgun. But the ’93 had one glaring issue—it was designed for black powder loads. With the rise of smokeless powder, Winchester needed a stronger, more refined design
John Moses Browning was still a young man when he crafted a rifle so strong, so accurate, and so well-designed that it caught the attention of one of the most powerful gun manufacturers in America.
There’s something almost magical about Damascus barrels. The swirling, layered patterns that dance along the metal are unmistakable, carrying the allure of artistry and old-world craftsmanship.
The Colt Model 1905 occupies a pivotal place in firearms history, serving as the evolutionary link between John Moses Browning’s early semi-automatic pistol designs and the legendary Colt Model 1911.
As the 20th century rolled in, the United States military was searching for a pistol cartridge that could deliver reliable stopping power on the battlefield. Enter John Moses Browning.
Known as the “Father of Modern Firearms,” Browning’s contributions to shotgun design weren’t just innovations—they were leaps forward. His work transformed the shotgun from a utilitarian tool into a masterpiece of engineering and artistry.
For avid collectors of antique firearms, nitre bluing represents not only an enduring finish but a vivid connection to an era when craftsmanship and aesthetics were as important as functionality. Let’s take a deep dive into the origins, development, and legacy of this iconic metal finish—and perhaps uncover a few surprises along the way.