Make: Winchester
Model: 53
Serial Number: 9572
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Solid Frame and Side Loading Gate fed by a Half Length Magazine
Barrel Length: 22” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade dovetailed into a base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, fluted straight comb, and steel shotgun-style buttplate. There are scattered areas of thinning and finish loss. There are some scattered dings and scratches in the wood. There are light handling marks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has areas of pitting, scabbing, finish loss, and patina. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few little patches of minor surface erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about70% of its metal finish. There are a few dings and marks in the metal, most notable on the front right of the receiver. There are scattered areas of minor patina and surface frost. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some areas of thinning and finish loss. There are a few areas of surface erosion. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Winchester's Model 53 is essentially the same as their Model 1892, but it was offered with fewer special order features. Introduced in 1924, the standard Model 53 was chambered in .44-40, .32-20, or .25-20 WCF with a 22" round barrel, half magazine, straight or pistol grip stock, and shotgun-style steel buttplate. The Model 53 was only made from 1924-1932 with 20,000 guns produced, making it a fairly scarce Winchester lever action to encounter today.
This Winchester 1920s Model 53 was made in 1928 and is chambered in .25-20 WCF. The rifle has seen some use over the course of nearly a century, but is in good shape given its age. It retains about 70% of its metal finish, an impressive bore, and strong mechanics. This rifle should still be able to head back out in the field, or would make a nice addition to a Winchester collection needing the Model 53.
RIFLE