Early Winchester Model 55 Takedown 24" .30-30 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1925
Our Assessment: By the early 1920's, Winchester's Model 94 rifle was losing sales, and in 1924 Winchester introduced an updated version of the Model 94 rifle dubbed the Model 55. The Winchester Model 55 was a rifle with a 24-inch barrel, a half-magazine that held three cartridges and was a takedown rifle which was convenient for storage and transport. It was initially chambered only in .30-30 Win., but .25-35 Win. and .32 Win. Spl. were added in 1926. For the first few years, the Model 55 carried its own set of serial numbers. In 1930, Winchester started producing Models 55 with a solid frame, using Model 94 receivers and serialized in the established Model 94 range. In 1932, with approximately 20,500 guns made, the Model 55 was discontinued to make way for the Winchester Model 64. This rifle was made in 1925, in the earlier years with a takedown action and serialized in the Model 55 serial range. The rifle certainly looks like it has seen its share of use, but it still retains a good bore and strong mechanics. Of note, this rifle comes from the personal collection of Rick Hacker, noted gun writer, NRA Field editor and winner of the John T, Amber Literary Award. This rifle would be equally suited to rounding out a Winchester lever-rifle collection or to heading back out in the field to drop some deer. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Winchester
Model: 55
Serial Number: 1790
Year of Manufacture: 1925
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "B-102677" in electric pencil, "-MODEL 55–", "WINCHESTER / –TRADE MARK—", "– NICKEL STEEL – 30 W.C.F. –", the top of the barrel and receiver have "WP" in oval, the underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel is marked "MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / —NEW HAVEN CONN.—". The upper tang is marked "WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-".
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is beaded Lyman blade, dovetailed on a base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is flat top U-notch leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a checkered steel buttplate. There are several scattered scuffs, scratches, gashes and compressions that are more prevalent on the buttstock. There is a small chip loss at the top left corner of the wrist. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal plate that is in the white with scattered light erosion. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the groves. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. This rifle has lost most of its original blue finish. It shows scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and areas of light surface erosion. Thinning blue finish remains throughout the barrel and on the sides of the receiver. There are scattered little nicks, dings, and mars in the metal. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is slight play between the barrel and receiver. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES.
RIFLE