Make: Winchester
Model: 1904
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1919-1927
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Extra Long
Action Type: Single Shot Manually Cocked Bolt Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is an elevation-adjustable U-notch dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece featuring a Schnabel style forend with takedown screw, a straight wrist with finger grooves integral to the bottom tang, a straight comb, and a black hard rubber buttplate. The stock has some scattered light handling marks, nicks, and scuffs. Notably, there is scuffing at the edges of the forend, a ding on the right side of the buttstock and some scattered compressions. The LOP is 13 1/4” from the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate is distinct. Overall, the stock is in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some contact wear, most notably at the muzzle. There are light nicks, scratches, and handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1904 was part of a series of rifles based on gunmaking genius John Browning’s August 29, 1899 patent which was purchased by Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1904 was introduced in said year and remained on the market until 1931 with several variations during this period. The original 1904s were marked as the “MOD. 1904” on their barrels until April 1919 when they were redesignated as the “MOD. 04” (this rifle is one of the post-1919 specimens). The Extra Long interchangeable chambering was dropped in 1927, and the design was finally retired in 1931. The rifle has some wear consistent with a gun made around a century ago, but it remains mechanically sound and retains its charming aesthetic. This is a great option for Winchester collectors and fans of old plinkers.
RIFLE