The Cody Firearms Museum

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 in 1976. Dedicated in 1991, the Cody Firearms Museum provides an expansive permanent home for the collection.

Don’t expect to see only Winchester-made arms here; 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.

The Blog you are reading is an attempt by the staff of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center to bring you into our world by talking about some of the happenings here and giving some insights into why and how we do what we do.

Please take into consideration that the Buffalo Bill Historical Center is a 501(c)3 institution and that, accordingly, we are not allowed to participate in political discourse that can be perceived as lobbying. It is not that the staff does not hold or support their political beliefs, but that we are not allowed to profess them as a professional representative of the organization.

5 Responses to “The Cody Firearms Museum”

  1. BethAnne Says:

    I have a Remington Model 12, pump/slide .22 rifle. It was manufactured in 1910. It is in beautiful condition. Every photo I see online of this rifle model has straight grain walnut and no embelishments. I’m wanting to know if there is a ’sub model’ that my rifle might be catagorized in. It has ‘burled maple’ looking wood with an ornate metal butt plate. The engraved checkering is very nice. The gun has never been restored and has been in my family since it was new. Can you help?

    • codyfirearmsmuseumblog Says:

      BethAnne –

      This isn’t a “submodel” as much as a deluxe grade of this model. Most manufacturers will produce a small number of guns with higher grade wood, metal fixtures, or engraved designs on the metal surfaces. Some of these guns were built as gifts from the company and some (as yours likely was) were built for special orders. Unfortunately, the records for this model no longer exist, but the Remington Society of America should be able to assist you in learning more about your gun.

      Cheers,
      Dave

  2. BethAnne Says:

    Dave,
    Thank you for this morsel. I’ll be contacting the Remington Societ of America this week. Remington Arms is sending me a copy of the original owners manual. I am guessing that it is something generic for all Model 12’s and not specifically my rifle.
    I’m sure I will have more questions after I receive that bit of information but I wanted to have the manual before I contact anyone else.
    Again, thank you!

    Blessings,
    BethAnne

  3. Lee Sylvester Says:

    I have a Marlin 39A Original Golden Sir # 27128839 I have just finish reading the artcial in Rifleman on the 39A and would like to know when my rifle was made can you help me think you
    Lee Sylvester
    thesylvesters@charter.net

    • codyfirearmsmuseumblog Says:

      Lee,

      Unfortunately, there are no surviving Marlin 39A records that we know of. We have the early Marlin records from serial number 4096 through 355419. I’d suggest you locate a copy of William S. Brophy’s “Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company That Made Them.” You could also check the “Blue Book of Gun Values” as there is often a small explanation and history of the various models.

      Jesi

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