Can't say I agree with much that the OP espouses except the rimmed ctgs. (Those rimless things were invented so that machine guns could work better and we all know where THAT went!).
I always thought that the US should have started with the Remington-Lee box magazine rifle and the .30-40 ctg, (both American inventions). The funky Krag magazine was a mistake, although the rest of the Krag was OK; better than its reputation.
Winchester should just have adopted the Improved .22 WCF w/smokeless and jacketed bullets and skipped the Hornet altogether. No need for Mr. Kilbourne at all--it was already covered.
I've always wondered WHAT the original 1885 blackpowder Hi-wall .22 WCFs were used for? Barrel cleaning practice???? Weight training???
