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From the Brown Bess to the FN Scar, war rifles have been used for many years. Some rifle names are well known, such as “Winchester” (as in the famous “Winchester Ghost House” in California), while others are less commonly known.

Love them or hate them, each of these weapons has a significant place in our country’s story. They have been used in many wars, whether to fight against other countries, battle terrorism and oppression, or even confront our own compatriots. Below, you’ll find an infographic we’ve created that highlights a few of the war rifles used throughout history.

We wouldn’t be where we are today in the beautiful US, the Land of the Free, without rifles. They’re a powerful weapon—no doubt about that—but the real honor has nothing to do with a piece of wood (or resin) and metal. The true heroes are the resilient men and women of our military, whether veterans or active duty, who wield these guns to help keep us safe and free.

It takes a lot of courage to put your life on the line, but that’s what our veterans have done over the years and our active duty servicemembers do every day. Learning about these rifles should help us remember their sacrifices.

Below, we’ve listed guns that were popular during different war periods. Pick a favorite and share it with us in the comments below. Or, if you know about one that is not listed, leave a comment about that too—we want to hear from you!

See the evolution and history of the war rifle via the image below. View the full-size image here: Evolution of the War Rifle.

Related: VA Loan Program Available to All Active Military and Veterans.