The Winchester Wingo - in the original crates
I want to make this one a short one given that we are in a short week, if for no other reason.
Today I took a ride to a warehouse used by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center to store some of our oversized objects that need different housing. In the midst of the objects there are a Model T Ford, several wagons (horse-drawn), storage/shipping crates for past traveling exhibits, old office furniture, and (from the Cody Firearms Museum collection) a crated-up Winchester Wingo machine. This machine is one of two known to exist. It was designed to throw hollow balls of ice for use in an indoor target shooting game. The one that came to Cody from a private individual was, as far as I know, never unpacked.I know that some donors would be concerned to see something like this, but when we are dealing with something like the Wingo machine, it is better to have left it in the original packaging.
Also – on a separate note, I wanted to mention a new blog by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the shooting, hunting and firearms industry. I should also mention at this time that the Cody Firearms Museum is a non-profit member of the NSSF.
Time for me to go home for the day. Have a safe week and don’t eat too much!
Cheers,
Dave
November 29, 2008 at 2:16 am |
I was wondering if I was dreaming that I had played a shooting game called Wingo when I was a kid. On a whim I googled it and your comments came up! I am happy to know that I am not delusional, at least, about Wingo! There was a Wingo shooting range in San Diego. I am not sure of the year, but it was probably around 1970. Wingo was really fun and I always wished it was still available. I don’t suppose the museum would consider setting it up, but if it did, I would make a trip up to take another shot at it!
Say hi to my Aunt Lael Morton, a Cody resident and member of BBHC! If you have met her you would remember her! She is the best!
November 29, 2008 at 9:08 pm |
Jenny –
You are fortunate. You were able to shoot at the only public Wingo facility ever established. Winchester set it up for about 4-5 months in San Diego to see if it could compete with the rest of the San Diego leisure scene.
From what I understand, this is one of the two Wingo machines manufactured.
Thanks for your information!
Cheers,
Dave
March 12, 2009 at 5:36 am |
Hi Jenny, I know Lael and Lyle Morton from many years ago and have visited them in San Diego and again in Wappiti after they moved there.
We are English but now live in France.
Do they have an email address? it would be great to contact them again.
Dave Wall
May 29, 2009 at 3:36 pm |
I actually shot at the Wingo range when I was a kid. I think it was just south of the Miramar Navy Base.I lived in Escondido at the time. I remember at the time it was quite expensive. I think 22 cal. rifles were used with bird shot. It was like looking down on a raquetball court, there were 5 holes in the backwall and the “Iceball” would launch out of one of the holes straight at you. I went a couple of times.
July 28, 2009 at 4:09 pm |
The Wingo range is now a municipal county courthouse in San Diego. I shot there with my brother. It was a lot of fun. The five holes in the back wall were arranged like the five on a dice cube. The range was “cool” because of the ice machines and a favorite place to go on a warm day@
August 1, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
I actually HAVE one of the Wingo guns, the wire harness to play still intact, in perfect condition. Seems to be marked #7, although I don’t know much about these things.
Would love to sell it though, would you know any interested buyers for such an item?
September 4, 2009 at 11:44 am |
To Joyce Casto: Hi Joyce, we collect .22 smoothbores and if you still have this we would be interested.
Also: does anyone know where the other machine is? Would like to purchase that as well.