The Exhibits
This exhibit chronicles the dramatic evolution of American military firearms from the flintlock muskets of the Revolutionary War to the advanced breech-loading rifles of the post-Civil War era. Beginning with the simple, muzzle-loaded smoothbores used in the fight for independence, the narrative follows key innovations such as percussion ignition systems, rifled barrels, and the revolutionary Minie bullet. As battlefield demands grew, so did technological advancements—culminating in the widespread use of breech loaders and metallic cartridges during and after the Civil War. The journey concludes with the official adoption of the 1873 Springfield “Trap Door” rifle, symbolizing the U.S. military’s transition into modern firepower and marking a century of relentless progress in weapon design and battlefield efficiency.
Step into a century-long story of innovation and transformation as this exhibit explores the evolution of American military firearms—from the crack of flintlock muskets in the Revolutionary War to the precision of breech-loading rifles after the Civil War. Follow the trail of groundbreaking advancements like percussion ignition, rifled barrels, and the game-changing Minie bullet, each marking a leap in battlefield effectiveness. As the exhibit unfolds, you'll witness how necessity and ingenuity drove rapid change, culminating in the adoption of the 1873 Springfield “Trap Door” rifle—a defining moment that ushered in a new era of modern military firepower.
This exhibit follows the groundbreaking transformation of U.S. military cartridges and rifles from the early 20th century through the post-WWII era, showcasing a period of relentless innovation driven by the demands of modern warfare. It begins with the adoption of the Model 1903 Springfield rifle and its accompanying .30 caliber rimless cartridge, which evolved into the iconic .30-06 used across two world wars. As technology advanced, the exhibit explores the development of specialized loads, automatic weapons like the B.A.R. and the Thompson submachine gun, and the rise of the semi-automatic M1 Garand. Parallel to this, the introduction of the lightweight M1 Carbine and its unique cartridge reflects the military’s expanding arsenal. Detailed insights into cartridge identification and manufacturing—from experimental coatings to head stamp codes—offer a deeper look into the meticulous design and production processes. This chronological journey captures the ingenuity and precision behind some of the most influential firearms and ammunition in American military history, inviting readers to explore how each development shaped the battlefield and left a lasting mark on weaponry innovation.
This exhibit presents a comprehensive journey through the history of Winchester ammunition, highlighting both the cartridges designed by Winchester and those produced for firearms made by other manufacturers. It features a wide array of calibers, including those for foreign firearms and American-made guns from companies such as Colt, Marlin, Savage, and others. Many of the cartridges bear Winchester's iconic headstamps—ranging from early "W.R.A.Co." markings to later variations like "SUPER SPEED," "W-W SUPER," and "WINCHESTER." The exhibit also includes rare experimental and prototype rounds, some without headstamps, as well as sub-caliber chambers and special military contract cartridges. Learn how headstamp styles evolved over time, reflecting technological advances and company transitions, including the 1931 acquisition of Winchester by the Western Cartridge Company. Under Olin’s leadership, Winchester continued to innovate, developing new calibers and expanding its legacy through trademarks like “SUPER-X.” This curated collection tells the story of Winchester's enduring impact on ammunition design, production, and branding across more than a century of American firearms history.
This exhibit tells the fascinating story of the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (U.M.C.), from its founding in the aftermath of the Civil War to its evolution into a global leader in ammunition manufacturing. Formed in 1866 through the merger of two rimfire cartridge makers, U.M.C. quickly grew under the leadership of Marcellus Hartley, producing primers, rimfire and centerfire cartridges, and shotgun shells. The company’s trajectory shifted again in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Hartley acquired Remington Arms, eventually merging the two into a single entity known as Remington Arms-Union Metallic Cartridge Company. Over time, branding and headstamps transitioned from "U.M.C." to "REM-UMC" and eventually to "R-P" following the acquisition of Peters Cartridge Co. and the involvement of DuPont. The exhibit also features an extensive display of cartridges, from early rimfire rounds to centerfire pistol and rifle cartridges, as well as a wide variety of shotgun shells ranging from 3 to 32 gauge. Trace the technological and corporate evolution of a key ammunition manufacturer and explore an array of rare and specialized cartridges that reflect over a century of firearms history and innovation.
COMING SOON