In January, just before the 2017 SHOT Show, I got the opportunity to travel to Cody Wyoming to visit the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, to see some of their rare firearms and bring photos of them to our readers. The folks at the Cody Museum were tremendously helpful in getting high quality pictures of the weapons in their collection, and so I’d like to give a big “thank you” to Ashley and Danny!

The first weapon we’ll be taking a look at is something that looks familiar, but isn’t: Below is a carbine prototype made by the famous David Marshall “Carbine” Williams, well known for designing the WWII M1 Carbine used by USGIs. Williams didn’t actually design the M1 Carbine (that was two other Winchester designers, William Roemer and Fred Humeston), but the M1 was based on his work, and he did work on carbines at Winchester at the same time. At least one of those carbines, which has the distinctive Williams-style safety and large operating slide, was made into a sporter model, and it’s that one we’re bringing to you today.

If you’re interested in seeing more of the Cody Firearms Museum, I highly recommend taking a trip out to Cody, Wyoming to see their awesome and extensive collection. They have over 7,000 firearms, about 4,000 of which are on display. In particular, if you have an interest in Winchester firearms and their history, Cody is the place to be. If just a visit isn’t enough for you, then check out the museum’s 79-page book, which highlights some of the finest pieces in their collection!