Trailblazing with Lever Actions: John Moses Browning’s Iconic Winchester Rifles
When John Moses Browning joined forces with Winchester, he didn’t just design rifles and carbines—he crafted tools that shaped the American frontier and beyond. Each rifle carried a story, from his first single-shot masterpiece to the rugged lever-actions that powered hunters and soldiers alike. Browning’s knack for blending innovation with practicality left an indelible mark on firearm history. Settle in, and let’s explore the tales behind these remarkable rifles that still inspire admiration today.
Today’s post is Part 2 of our John Moses Browning story. Keep it bookmarked and check back for upcoming chapters:
- Introduction
- Rifles and Carbines (currently reading)
- Semi-Auto Pistols
- Shotguns
Tell us your stories.
As always, we want to hear from you! What are your stories? The comment section is open below.
Image: A factory-new Model 1885 reproduction, featuring museum grade wood and metal finishes by Turnbull Restoration. Explore our gallery to see Model 1885 restoration examples. Browse our Finishing Services page for additional ideas.
Browning’s relationship with Winchester started with the Model 1885, a single-shot rifle that proved simplicity could be elegant. Browning originally designed it in 1878, and it was known as the Browning Single Shot Rifle before Winchester acquired the rights. Legend has it that Winchester’s Vice President, T.G. Bennett, was so impressed with the rifle that in 1883 he traveled all the way to Ogden, Utah, to strike a deal with Browning.
The rifle became the Winchester Model 1885 and was offered in both Low Wall and High Wall configurations, accommodating a wide range of calibers. Known for its incredible accuracy and strength, it quickly became a favorite for target shooters and hunters. Even today, the Model 1885 is celebrated as one of the finest single-shot rifles ever made, a testament to Browning’s knack for timeless design.
Image: Restored and upgraded Winchester Model 1886 from 1892, chambered in .50-110 Winchester. Explore our gallery to see additional Model 1886 restoration examples. Browse our Conversions & Upgrades page for additional ideas.
Browning’s next major contribution to Winchester’s lineup was the Model 1886, a lever-action rifle designed to handle the larger, more powerful cartridges that were becoming popular among big-game hunters. This was no minor feat—Winchester wanted a rifle that could chamber powerful rounds like the .45-70 Government without compromising the smooth action and reliability their customers expected.
Browning delivered with a robust, vertical locking bolt mechanism that could handle serious pressure. The rifle’s strength and smooth operation quickly made it a favorite among hunters taking on elk, bear, or even buffalo. In many ways, the Model 1886 set the standard for lever-action rifles built for serious work in the field. It was another shining example of how Browning could solve complex engineering challenges with elegance and practicality.
Image: Highly-finished Winchester Model 1892 from 1914, chambered in .25-20 Winchester. Explore our gallery to see additional Model 1892 restoration examples. Browse our Gun Engraving page for additional ideas.
The story of the Winchester Model 1892 is a perfect example of Browning’s genius—and his remarkable speed under pressure. By the 1890s, the classic Winchester Model 1873 was starting to feel a bit long in the tooth, and the company needed a successor. Winchester approached Browning to design a new lever-action rifle chambered for smaller cartridges like .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20.
Here’s where it gets impressive: Browning reportedly delivered the design for the Model 1892 in just 30 days. And it wasn’t just slapped together—the rifle was essentially a scaled-down version of the Model 1886, retaining its robust locking mechanism and smooth action while being lightweight and compact.
The Model 1892 became an instant hit, especially with cowboys, ranchers, and anyone needing a rugged, reliable rifle for everyday use. Its popularity has endured well into the 21st century, thanks to its clean lines, handy size, and incredible reliability. Even Hollywood couldn’t resist—if you’ve seen a lever-action rifle in a classic Western, chances are it was a Model 1892.
Image: A factory-new Model 1894 reproduction, featuring museum grade wood and metal finishes by Turnbull Restoration. Browse our gallery to see Model 1894 restoration examples. Explore our blog to learn more about color case hardening.
If one rifle could be called the backbone of America’s hunting tradition, it’s the Winchester Model 1894. Designed by John Moses Browning and introduced in—you guessed it—1894, this lever-action rifle became an instant favorite among farmers, ranchers, and woodsmen. The Model 1894 initially chambered cartridges like the .32-40 and .38-55, but what truly set it apart was its later ability to fire the then-new smokeless powder .30-30 Winchester cartridge. This innovation secured the rifle’s reputation as a dependable, hard-hitting choice for medium game like deer.
The Model 1894 was more than just a tool; it was a companion. It was light enough to carry all day, rugged enough to handle the rigors of the backcountry, and powerful enough to get the job done when it mattered most. The rifle’s handy size and smooth action made it a natural fit for the American outdoorsman, and its durability ensured it could be passed down from one generation to the next. With over seven million produced, the Model 1894 stands as one of the most successful sporting rifles of all time—and one of Browning’s finest legacies.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 1895 from 1898, chambered in .30-40 Krag. Explore our gallery to see additional Model 1895 restoration examples.
Browning’s final lever-action design for Winchester came in the form of the Model 1895, a rifle that marked a departure from traditional lever-action designs. The Model 1895 was designed to handle smokeless powder cartridges, including some of the most powerful rounds of the era, like the .30-40 Krag and .30-06 Springfield.
The rifle featured a box magazine instead of the traditional tubular magazine, allowing it to chamber pointed (spitzer) bullets safely—an innovation driven by the demands of the modern cartridge. Its robust design and ability to handle high-pressure cartridges made it a favorite among soldiers and hunters alike. Theodore Roosevelt famously used a Model 1895 chambered in .405 Winchester during his African safari, calling it his “medicine gun” for dangerous game.
The Model 1895 wasn’t just another lever-action rifle; it was a bridge between the old world of black powder and the new world of smokeless powder and high-velocity cartridges. It stands as a fitting bookend to Browning’s lever-action legacy.
The Browning Model SA-22: Small-Caliber Legend Still in Production
Now, I know we’re talking mainly about heavy-hitters, but we’ve got to give a nod to the Browning Model SA-22—a rifle that has earned a legendary place in the hearts of shooters everywhere.
Introduced in 1914, the SA-22 was one of the first semi-automatic .22 rifles ever made. It’s famous for its unique bottom-ejecting design, which keeps the action clean and makes it perfect for both left- and right-handed shooters. Add to that its nifty takedown feature, allowing the rifle to be broken down into two pieces without tools, and you’ve got one of the most practical rimfire rifles ever designed.
Lightweight, reliable, and still in production today, the SA-22 is a classic rifle that generations of shooters have enjoyed. Whether you’re using it to pop cans, hunt squirrels, or simply admire its sleek design, the SA-22 is one of those timeless firearms that just keeps winning over shooters, year after year.
Image Above: Engraved & Turnbull-Finished Browning SA-22 Grade II.
Each of these rifles—the Model 1885, Model 1886, Model 1892, and Model 1895—represents a step forward in firearm design, blending strength, innovation, and timeless appeal. From the precision of the single-shot Model 1885 to the groundbreaking smokeless-powder capabilities of the Model 1895, Browning’s partnership with Winchester produced some of the most iconic firearms of the late 19th century.
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