The Wonder Of Winchesters

posted on February 1, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
aff-whelenswinchester95-1500x844.jpg
Michael Ives

Among the many treasures featured at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum is a symphony of 120 fine Winchester Model 70 rifles and carbines, all displayed together in a single case. From standard models to Super Grades; lightweight to heavy barrel target arms; Sporters to National Match variants; this amazing collection of Model 70s was once owned by a single man— Melvin Gordon—and now museum visitors can see this collection, much as Gordon had it originally arranged, by specific type and caliber.

Two of the pieces illustrating the scope of the collection are represented here: a .22 Hornet m70 carbine and a .458 Win. Mag. m70 Super Grade rifle. Over the decades, Gordon acquired only the best available examples of the Model 70 for inclusion in the collection, selecting only those pieces with 95 percent or better original finish, when possible. Many examples still retain the original “hang tags” with which they were shipped from the factory. Gordon’s collection was donated to the nra in 2004.

Interested in historic arms? Visit either of the two NRA museums—the NRA National Firearms Museum at nra Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., or our new NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo. Both locations include a timeline of American arms from the first colonists through modern day, with exemplary handguns, rifles and shotguns available for viewing seven days a week. Admission is free to both museums (donations gratefully accepted), and offers an unforgettable visitor experience. For more details, check out the museum website at www.nramuseum.com, call (703) 267-1600 or e-mail [email protected].

Latest

procarry.jpg
procarry.jpg

Open Carry in California?

On January 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit struck down California’s ban on open carry in most of the state. The panel decision was 2-1.

Gun Skills | Press Check

Back when I was a new gun owner, I drilled in a habit of checking to be sure my firearm was unloaded, which was also a terrific opportunity to work on gun-handling skills like racking the action and activating the controls.

The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

The NRA took a serious hit on December 28th. We lost Phil Schreier, director of NRA Museums. He did everything the doctors asked of him and then some. But it wasn’t enough. Leukemia won, and we all lost.

No More Tax on Suppressors!

When President Donald Trump (R) signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025, he scheduled the end of the burdensome $200 excise tax imposed on suppressors, short-barreled firearms and “any other weapons” as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA). That end came on January 1.

Armed Citizens are the “Rugged Individualists” Mamdani Despises

In his inauguration speech as the new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani said, behind his characteristically easy smile, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Conscientious Carry

While going about armed, you need to fit into society responsibly and politely. Here’s how.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.