Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifles

Published on February 17, 2016
Duration: 11:57

Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, details the Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifle. The video covers the armory's origins with Eli Whitney, its competitive drive against Winchester, and the rifle's specific mechanical features like the L-shaped block and top-ejecting action. It also touches on barrel markings and serial number locations, positioning the rifle as an important, though often overlooked, part of early lever-action firearm development.

Quick Summary

The Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifle was manufactured by Whitneyville Armory, founded by Eli Whitney. It featured a unique serpentine lever, top-ejecting action, and side-loading gate, designed to compete with Winchester without infringing patents. Winchester acquired the armory in 1888 to eliminate competition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Whitney-Kennedy Rifles
  2. 00:52Whitneyville Armory History
  3. 02:41Competition with Winchester
  4. 04:09The Burgess and Kennedy Designs
  5. 06:44Technical Details and Markings
  6. 09:00Serial Numbers and Production
  7. 10:53The End of Whitneyville

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical company produced the Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifle?

The Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifle was produced by the Whitneyville Armory, a company with roots tracing back to Eli Whitney and established in Connecticut, USA.

How did the Whitney-Kennedy rifle attempt to compete with Winchester?

Whitneyville Armory developed the Kennedy rifle design, featuring a unique lever action and top-ejecting mechanism, specifically to avoid infringing on existing Winchester patents and capture market share.

What are the key technical features of the Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifle?

Key features include its lever action with a serpentine-shaped lever, a top-ejecting port, a side-loading gate, and an L-shaped internal block mechanism. It was commonly chambered in .44 caliber.

When did Winchester acquire Whitneyville Armory?

Winchester purchased Whitneyville Armory in 1888. This acquisition was strategic, aimed at eliminating a competitor in the lever-action rifle market, and led to the closure of the Whitneyville facility.

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