Colt-Paterson Model 1839 revolving shotgun. Gift of Olin Corporation, Winchester Arms Collection. 1988.8.605

Firearms

The Cody Firearms Museum houses the most comprehensive assemblage of American firearms in the world. The Winchester Collection, the heart of this museum, was transported from New Haven, Connecticut, to Cody, Wyoming, in 1975. Dedicated in 1991, the museum provides an expansive permanent home for the collection.

Don’t expect to see only Winchester-made arms here, though; virtually every significant manufacturer in the world is represented. Within the exhibits, visitors are able to trace the evolution of modern firearms technology from its earliest days through today’s outstanding variations.

Gun collectors can take advantage of the Cody Firearms Museum Records Office to secure information about individual firearms manufactured by Winchester, Marlin and L.C. Smith. Factory letters are available to Cody Firearms Museum members and non-members for a fee. Go to the Firearms Records section of the website for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: The Cody Firearms Museum staff is able to respond to general questions regarding firearms and firearm-related issues beyond the scope of the Records Office on a limited and complimentary basis. Contact Curatorial Assistant Daniel Brumley at 307.578.4117 or danielb@bbhc.org. Response times to such inquiries vary with the workload of the curatorial staff. We are unable to respond to gunsmithing, highly technological, or hand-loading inquiries.

Recently reprinted and available in our online store!

Cody Firearms Museum

By Herbert G. Houze, former curator

This 79 page book highlights just a portion of our extraordinary arms collection, with detailed images and descriptions.

Available in our Museum Store online or by calling 800.533.3838.

Click image for a larger view.

Our newsletter

We’re pleased to share back issues of our newsletter, “Cody Firearms Record”

• 2011: Spring
• 2010: Fall
• 2010: Spring
• 2009: Fall
• 2009: Spring
• 2008: Fall
• 2008: Spring
• 2007: Fall

It pays to be a member!

Find our more about a Firearms Membership with its firearms research benefits.

More information

We offer a Glossary of Firearms Terms as well as a select Firearms Bibliography. Also see our list of some quirky Firearms-Related Sayings and information about Winchester Collectibles.

According to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Code of Ethics, under no circumstance may staff members appraise objects either as part of their normal daily duty or as an independent service.