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1866 "Yellow Boy" |
Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy"
The Model 1866 Winchester is also known as "The
Yellow Boy" due to its brass receiver frame. About 175,000
Model 1866 rifles were made, with production ending in 1898.
The 1866 Winchester was chambered in .44 caliber rimfire and took a
28 grain powder weight. The reduction in the projectile weight from
the single-shot rifles managed to increase the projectile's
velocity. The Model 1866 had a 24 inch round or octagonal barrel and
weighed 9 to 9 1/2 lbs. There were other variants of the Model 1866,
including a musket, with a 27 inch barrel. The musket 1866
weighed 8 1/4 pounds. The most common variant was the
1866 carbine, with a 19-inch round barrel, the carbine weighed 7 1/2
lbs.
1866 rifles and muskets each held a maximum of 17
rounds, but they were usually loaded with fewer rounds to prevent
strain on the magazine spring. The shorter carbines held a total of
13 rounds. The Model 1866 rifle also had military significance,
though it is not normally rated as a military arm, the lever action
Winchester 1866 was responsible for two great Turkish victories over
the Russians at Plevna. The Model 1866 was manufactured until
1898. Replica's of this rifle are still being made and used
today, as are many of the originals. |
