• Rifle Regiment arriving at Belle Point, 1817. Artwork by Michael Haynes

    Fort Smith

    National Historic Site AR,OK

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1887 Winchester Shotgun

1887 Winchester Shotgun
NPS Photo
 

1887 Winchester Shotgun

The 1887 Winchester was the first successful repeating shotgun. John Browning suggested that a pump shotgun be made instead of a lever action but Winchester affirmed that they were a lever action company. However, in 1893 a pump shotgun was introduced because the 1887 could not hold up to the smokeless powder that was becoming available. The 1887 was produced until 1901 after being replaced by the 1897 pump shotgun. Deputy Marshal Henry Dickey states that he was carrying a lever action shotgun during Henry Starr's murder trial.

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Did You Know?

reproduction of keelboat on Arkansas River with first fort soldier reenactors

Fort Smith was established on Christmas Day, 1817. Approximately 70 Rifle Regiment soldiers arrived by keelboat after a long journey on the Arkansas River.