Who Owns Winchester Ammo?
Winchester Ammunition, one of the most recognizable and trusted brands in the world of firearms, has undergone several changes in ownership over the years. From its humble beginnings as a small gunpowder mill in the 19th century to its current status as a leading manufacturer of rimfire, centerfire, and shotgun ammunition, Winchester has been owned by several companies and individuals.
Early Years
The story of Winchester Ammunition began in 1866 when Oliver Winchester, a Connecticut businessman, acquired the Olmsted, Belding & Company, a small gunpowder mill in New Haven, Connecticut. Winchester, along with his partners, changed the company’s name to Winchester Repeating Arms Company and began producing repeating rifles. The company’s innovative design and high-quality production led to rapid growth and success.
Ownership Under Remington
In 1931, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company merged with the Remington Arms Company, another well-known firearms manufacturer. The resulting company, Remington-Random, Inc., owned and operated both Winchester and Remington brands. During this period, Winchester Ammunition became a significant contributor to Remington’s profits.
Changes in Ownership
In 1972, Remington was acquired by the Bradford, Pennsylvania-based conglomerate, DuPont. As part of the deal, DuPont acquired all assets, including the Winchester and Remington brands, as well as the factories, research and development facilities, and intellectual property.
Recent History and Current Ownership
In 2013, DuPont acquired a majority stake in Olin Corporation, a manufacturer of chemicals, plastics, and ammunition. As a result, Winchester Ammunition became a part of the Olin Corporation, which continued to produce and distribute Winchester-branded ammunition.
Table 1: Ownership Timeline of Winchester Ammunition
| Year | Owner |
|---|---|
| 1866 | Oliver Winchester (Winchester Repeating Arms Company) |
| 1931 | Remington Arms Company (Remington-Random, Inc.) |
| 1972 | DuPont (DuPont Remington-Random, Inc.) |
| 2013 | Olin Corporation |
Current Operations and Manufacturing**
Today, Winchester Ammunition is a leading manufacturer of rimfire, centerfire, and shotgun ammunition. The company operates three main manufacturing facilities: East Alton, Illinois; Lewiston, Idaho; and Oxford, Mississippi. Winchester Ammunition produces a wide range of products, including:
• **Repeater** and **Win-Chester** rifle ammunition
• **Super-X** shotgun shells
• **Winchester** rifle cartridges (e.g., 308 Winchester, 223 Remington)
• **SXP** shotgun ammunition
• **AA Target** and **XPS Target** rimfire cartridges
**Winchester’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned the company a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition**. The company’s products are designed and manufactured to meet the demands of recreational shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel.
Conclusion
Winchester Ammunition, once a small gunpowder mill, has evolved over the years to become one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the world of firearms. From its early days as a subsidiary of Remington to its current status as a leading manufacturer of ammunition, **Winchester has been owned by several companies and individuals, including DuPont and Olin Corporation**. As a part of the Olin Corporation, Winchester continues to produce high-quality ammunition, committed to the company’s legacy of innovation and excellence.
**Winchester Ammunition: Key Points**
• Founded in 1866 by Oliver Winchester
• Owned by Remington Arms Company from 1931 to 1972
• Owned by DuPont from 1972 to 2013
• Owned by Olin Corporation since 2013
• Three main manufacturing facilities: East Alton, Illinois; Lewiston, Idaho; and Oxford, Mississippi
• Produces a wide range of rimfire, centerfire, and shotgun ammunition
By understanding the ownership history of Winchester Ammunition, we can appreciate the company’s rich heritage and its commitment to producing high-quality products that have made it a trusted brand for over 150 years.
