The Crazy Guns of the Winchester-Bannerman Pump Action Lawsuit
This video from Forgotten Weapons explores the fascinating guns involved in the Winchester-Bannerman patent infringement lawsuit over pump-action firearms. It highlights a prototype Magot pump-action rifle and a Winchester-built Krutzsch patent pump-action rifle, presented at the Cody Firearms Museum. The lawsuit stemmed from Bannerman's ownership of the first US patent on pump-action shotguns, acquired from Sylvester Roper. Winchester defended itself by proving the patent's invalidity through prior art, including these obscure European designs, ultimately winning the case and leading to the development of their successful Model 1897 pump shotgun. The video emphasizes the impracticality of the Magot and Krutzsch designs, yet acknowledges their significance in patent law.












