Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/787068
Company of the Year wINCheSTeR FIReARmS w inchester isn't just a brand; it's an American icon, a touchstone to our heritage. Winchester's innovations in rifles, shotguns, and cartridges over just the past 16 years easily earn it Sporting Classics Company of the Year. It's just unfortunate we don't award a Company of the Last 150 Years, because that's how long Winchester has been an arms and ammunition production stalwart, dependably serving citizens, police, and the military. The innovation started with the 1866 lever-action Yellow Boy, the first Winchester-branded rifle and the first commercially successful repeating rifle ever. And it's still being made. Next came the stronger, iron-framed Model 1873 lever action and the famous .44-40 centerfire cartridge. You know the rest: The Model 1886, M94 30-30, the M97 pump, Model 12, Model 21 side-by-side, SX3 auto, Model 70, and, of course, the incredible 270 Winchester, 243 Winchester, 458 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and many more. Shotgunners celebrate Super X and AA target shells. The 21st century has already brought us the Winchester Short Magnums. We here at Sporting Classics have a hunch Winchester isn't about to start resting on its laurels. We can't wait to see what the next 150 years brings. – Ron Spomer lence lence Hunting Lodge of the Year CheyeNNe RIdGe SIGNATuRe LOdGe O wned and operated by the Weinreis family, whose Dakota roots go back four generations, Cheyenne Ridge Signature Lodge offers some of the finest pheasant hunting in the country. Cheyenne Ridge prides itself on an atmosphere of camaraderie and good times, both during and after the hunt. The lodge is among the very few that offer private rooms or suites for guests. A special highlight of the Cheyenne Ridge experience are the exceptional culinary creations of Executive Chef/GM Sean Finley. One of the best-known chefs in the outdoor industry, Finley consistently produces signature dishes such as prime rib and bone-in ribeye that rival the best steak houses in the country. After the hunt enjoy a drink from the Cigar & Cognac Bar, which, along with top-shelf spirits, features a bar surface made of ice! At Cheyenne Ridge's sister location, The North Platte Outpost, you can enjoy some of the best waterfowling in America on 1,500 acres of private land in western Nebraska. Cheyenne Signature Lodge sets a new standard for our time-honored wingshooting traditions. – Doug Painter S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 97 Winchester Model 1866 – 150th Commemorative High Grade Rifle