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Make: Winchester
Model: 74
Serial Number: 296524A
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Buttstock Magtube
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “296524A”. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN / -U.S. OF AMERICA-”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, and “MODEL 74- / 22 L. RIFLE-”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The optic is marked “SATURN / ‘XX’”.
Barrel Length: 22” Round
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The left rear of the receiver is mounted with a 1950s vintage Saturn Boone “XX” 2.5x fixed magnification scope with fine crosshair reticle. The sight picture is clear and the glass is clean. The sight rates in Excellent Condition.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few minor compression marks. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent 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, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear. There is thinning and oxidation around the muzzle as well as minor thinning on the edges of the charging handle. There is finish loss around the edges of the optic base. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with the aforementioned mounted Saturn Boone XX 2.5x scope.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 74 Semi-Automatic .22 Rifle, launched in 1939, represents an innovative chapter in the evolution of self-loading rimfire rifles. Constructed with an 8.5” long steel tube receiver just 1” in diameter, the Model 74 integrated a blowback-operated bolt and a tubular magazine nestled within the buttstock, demonstrating a unique engineering approach for the era. One of its notable features was the ability to remove the bolt from the rear of the receiver, a design choice that significantly simplifies maintenance and cleaning from the rear, unlike most vintage semi-automatic rimfire rifles. Visually, the Model 74 is immediately recognizable due to the squared-off rear of its action, reminiscent of the "humpback" profile of the classic Browning Auto-5 shotgun. Additionally, the safety mechanism of the Model 74 is distinct—a flat, knurl-ended crossbolt meticulously dovetailed into the top of the receiver, enhancing both safety and ease of use. The rifle’s ergonomic design extends to its svelte charging handle, which is strategically positioned in a slot on the right rear of the action, directly above the trigger. This placement optimizes ease of operation for right-handed shooters, allowing them to quickly chamber a round with a simple wrist rotation and a hook of the forefinger. Originally released only in .22 Short, the Model 74 expanded its offerings in January 1940 with the addition of a .22 Long Rifle version. The .22 Short version was discontinued in 1952, and production of the Winchester Model 74 ceased altogether after 1955, with about 406,574 made during its production run.
This Post-War Winchester Model 74 Semi-Auto Rifle was made in 1951 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 22” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, a beautiful one-piece smooth walnut stock, a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion, and a wonderful 1950s vintage Saturn Boone XX 2.5x scope mounted on the left rear of the receiver, with clean glass, a clear sight picture, and a fine crosshair reticle.