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American Firearms and Their Makers: A Research Guide

Individual Gunmakers

Unsurprisingly, many important innovations in firearms design and production were developed by American gunsmiths who have also designed and manufactured many of the finest guns in the world. Founded by Eliphalet Remington in 1816, the Remington Arms Company was the earliest original American gun maker. Many other gun makers would follow the impressive lead of Remington, not the least of which were Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, the Henry Repeating Arms Company, Smith & Wesson, and the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. With this long history of firearms design and manufacturing, there are always new facts and new facets for exploration by historians and sporting enthusiasts. The fascinating histories of these American gun makers also detail the varied story of America.