Pre-War "Gallery Gun" Winchester Model 90 .22 Short Pump Action Rifle, With Clamp Rings & Tether Our Assessment: The Winchester 1890 was invented by John Browning in the late 1880's and became the model 90 in 1919. Winchester had asked John Browning for a design that would replace the popular Winchester 1873 in .22 Caliber and the 1890'90 proved to be the most successful repeating rimfire rifle ever made by Winchester. These wonderful pump rifles were chambered in several calibers (Short, Long, LR, WRF), but to be considered a true Gallery Gun, it would need the gallery loading port and be in .22 Short. Furthermore, when these were actually placed in Shooting Galleries, the were usually clamped, tethered and painted to prevent the loading of the wrong caliber. This gun checks all of the boxes and is a great reminder of "once-upon-a-time in America"..
Make: Winchester
Model: 90
Serial Number: 779290
Year of Manufacture: 1930's
Caliber: .22 Short
Action Type: Pump Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch elevator sight screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, straight wrist and steel crescent buttplate. There are many scattered compressions and draglines. There are two distinct clamp marks (one on each side) at the rear of the stock, this from the gallery clamp. There is also "22 SHORT" in red on the right side. The wood to metal fit is great and the finish is original. There are no chips or cracks, and most wear is on the belly. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered erosion with the most notable at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates a 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The frame has turned to a mild colored brown patina with evidence of past cleaning. The tangs and barrel show a lot more original finish. There is generally more finish than we usually see on these gallery used rifles. The screw have some tool marking with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE