Winchester Hotchkiss M1876

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	Weapon: Winchester Hotchkiss M1876 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1876 Overall Length (mm): 1200.0 Overall Length (in): 47.24 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The Winchester-Hotchkiss M1876 rifle was one of the first bolt-action repeating rifles adopted in the United States, representing a significant technological advancement in firearms design during the late 19th century. Developed by Benjamin B. Hotchkiss and manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the M1876 combined a bolt-action mechanism with an integrated tubular magazine located in the stock. This unique design allowed for rapid follow-up shots, making it a highly innovative firearm for its time. The rifle was chambered in various calibers, including .45-70 Government, to suit military and civilian needs. Its robust construction and reliability made it suitable for frontier conditions and military service.

Production of the Winchester-Hotchkiss began in 1879 and continued until approximately 1899, with multiple variations produced, including military muskets, carbines, and sporting rifles. Estimates suggest that around 84,000 units were manufactured in total, with a significant number sold to the U.S. Army and Navy. The rifle saw limited military service during the late 19th century, particularly with state militias and naval forces. It was also marketed to civilians, where it gained popularity among hunters and settlers in the American West. Despite its innovative design, the rifle faced competition from lever-action and single-shot rifles, which were more familiar to users of the era.

The Winchester-Hotchkiss M1876 holds a unique place in firearms history as one of the earliest successful bolt-action repeaters produced in the United States. While it never achieved the widespread adoption of Winchester's lever-action models, it demonstrated the potential of bolt-action systems and paved the way for future military and sporting rifles. Today, surviving examples of the Winchester-Hotchkiss are highly collectible, valued for their historical significance and mechanical ingenuity. The rifle's association with both military trials and civilian use during a transformative period in firearms development adds to its legacy as a pioneering weapon of the late 19th century.