Question about the “improved Henry".

[Henry4440]

In which year the "improved Henry" model 1866, was called the first time a '66 Winchester or was sold as an '66 Winchester?

[Trailrider]

Howdy, Pard,
The "Improved Henry" did not become the "Winchester Model 1866" until introduction of the '73.  The reason for the designation change is obvious...to distinguish the bronze-framed rifle with the King's Patent loading gate from the new Model 1873, with the iron (later steel) action, and in .44-40.  Hope this helps.

[Henry4440]

J. L. Skinner wrote in his article:The Very First Model 1866 Winchester,
......The new rifle had no specific name at the time, but there were references to an "improved Henry". Later it became known as the Model 1866, or "66". ........
http://www.rarewinchesters.com/articles/art_first_winchester_collector.shtml

[St. George]

From 'The Winchester Book' by Madis:

"Until the introduction of the Model 1873, the Model 1866 was 'the' Winchester;  there were no others.

It was not necessary to give the model a designation and no model markings will be found on the 1866;  those unfamiliar with the model amy search for model markings but will search in vain.

After the Model 1873 was introduced, the '66 model was then given the designation of the year of its introduction.

Serial numbers of the Model 1866 begin in the 12,000 series, to which range the Henry Rifle had extended.

Thereafter Henry rifles and the Model '66 serial numbers are interspersed until the 14,000 range, when the 1866 model succeeded the henry.

While manufacture of the 1866 model had ceased in 1884, a few parts which had remained on hand for many years were assembled in 1898 when the last Model 1866 left the factory bearing serial number 170,100."

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Weren't those last Henry rifles in 44 Henry "central fire"?  I saw one at a gun show about 15 years ago.  I think that was mentioned in "Cartridges of the World"

[Henry4440]

Weren't those last Henry rifles in 44 Henry "central fire"?  I saw one at a gun show about 15 years ago.  I think that was mentioned in "Cartridges of the World"

During the later period of their use, some Henry rifles were converted to fire the new centerfire ammunition.Such conversions were aftermarket work, which required altering or replacing the bolt and firing pin assembly to accommodate the brass casings' centerfire primer.
E.g. Henry rifle sn 2984

[Dusty Morningwood]

I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!!! 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Here is a short preview of a book report I sent to the SHOOTIST

Review: THE HISTORY OF WINCHESTER FIREARMS

By;  Duncan Barnes, George R. Watrous, James C. Rikhoff, Thomas H. Hall, and Pete Kuhlhoff, Winchester Press, 5th edition 1966, 1973, 1980
ISBN 0-8329-0397-3

At page 12.

"In 1891, 1,020 M/66 components parts on hand for many years, were used in the assembly of rifles chambered for the 44 "Henry" center fire cartridge and shipped to a firm in Brazil. In making up this lot of guns it was necessary to change the breech pin by discarding the Breech Pin Snapper, substituting a center fire firing pin and also inserting a threaded bushing in the face of the breech pin base with a hole in the center to allow the point of the firing pin to protrude and hit the primer. All other components were the same as previously used on the standard M/66, 44 caliber rim fire rifles, except for the chambering of the barrel."

BTW, the last '66 was made in 1898