Welcome to the home of the
Wesson & Harrington 1871 Buffalo Classic Rifle
Frank Wesson 1860 Rifle,
sits in the lobby of the H&R 1871. This photo was donated by Mr. James Garrison, President and CEO of H&R 1871.
Beginning in 1871, two members of a family, which would establish a firearms dynasty, cooperated on the design for a series of revolvers destined to change the friearms idustry and create what would become "America's Gunsmith".
Frank Wesson was well known for his hinged breech and falling block rifles. In Fact, his hinged breech carbine was actually accepted for use as an official secondary arm during the Civil War. His nephew, Gilbert Harrington, was a bright young firearms designer, and was granted a patent for a new mechanism to eject spent cases from revolvers. Together in 1871, they began a company called Wesson & Harrington in Worcester, Massachusetts. This company would continue until 1875 when Frank Wesson sold his interest to William Richardson, creating the Harrington & Richardson Arms Company, one of the most prolific manufacturers of firearms ever to operate in America. The Wesson & Harrington rifles and shotguns of today celebrate this fine tradition in this historic region of firearms manufature.
Tradition, history and American craftsmanship blend to build today's Wesson & Harrington rifles. Frank Wesson & Gilbert Harrington began their enterprise in 1871 and we continue their proud tradition today, building fine long range rifles in the same Massachuesetts county ober a century and quarter later.
The Wesson & Harrington 45-70 Government Buffalo Classic and the 38-55 WCF Target Model are true American classics to their very core. Modeled after the Frank Wesson tip-up rifles which were first made in Worcester, Massachusetts in the 1850's, these modern classic fill the need of the long range cowboy action shooter as well as those who just enjoy shooting these great old cartridges.
Both the Buffalo Classic and the Target Model reflect true 19th century styling, including real color case hardening on the frame and crescent buttplate, plus "one line at a time", hand cut checkering on their American black walnut stocks and forends. No sights are provided on the high polish blue barrels but a dovetail slot for a post or globe style front sight like the Lyman #17 is cut at the muzzle end of the barrel. The area over the chamber is drilled and tapped to accept a peep sight such as the Williams WGRSHR. As these rifles are designed for competition shooting, a number of sight options are available from a wide variety of specialty suppliers. The shooter's taste and style of competition will dictate the appropriate style of sights.
The Buffalo Classic in 45-70 Government has carved out a very competitive position in today's fast growing sport of Cowboy Action Shooting and BPCR shooting. It features a mid weight 32" barrel to get all the velocity possible out of the venerable 45-70 Government cartridge. The 32" barrel length also provides the necessary sighting radious for long range matches.
The Wesson & Harrington Target Model in 38-55 WCF follows the tradition of fine target offerings from the likes of Ballard or Wurfflein in the 1870's. The 38-55 Cartridge traces its roots to the early 1880's when it was developed for target shooting by the Ballard Rifle Company. The Wesson & Harrington Target Model uses a 28" heavy target barrel and origanal style rifling for consistant accuracy. This barrel length was one of the most popular for this caliber when it was introduced. The Target model also includes all steel furniture. A high polish, heat treated steel trigger guard and forend spacer are standard on this rifle and are now available as a factory upgrade to the owners of the Buffalo Classic, through the H&R 1871, Inc, Customer Service Department.
Both Wesson & Harrington rifles feature a level of quality and attention to detail which would have mad the origanal Wesson & Harrington proud to have their names affixed to the action. Additionally, all Wesson & Harrington firearms include a lifetime "no fault" service plan at no charge. This protect the original purchaser from the cost of ordinary repairs during his or her lifetime. Full details are included on the registration form which is packed with every Wesson & Harrington firearm.
We believe Frank Wesson and Gilbert Harrington would be as proud of these firearms as the ones they built here over one hundred and twenty five years ago.
Would you like to see a product list and what dealer is carrying the Buffalo Classic, H&R or NEF lines?
Wesson & Harrington
This web site is another creation of Jon "The Montanan" Erdmann BCSS # 1
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