After Nelson King patented his new loading system his 1866 model played a prominent part in the winning of the West. The 1866 model as it was famously known because of its shiny brass frame, was the successor to the Henry rifle. Production began in 1866 and continued through 1898, a period when both rifles and carbines were introduced. The 1866 rifle features a brass frame, brass forend cap and butt plate, blued and case hardened steel parts, octagonal barrel, dovetail buckhorn rear and front blade sight, and a walnut rifle style butt stock.