Winchester Model 1890

[kowenjr]

My Grandmother gave me a Winchester Model 1890 .22 short rifle an old boyfriend of hers had given her (She was dating him back during WWI). She gave it to me to use when I joined my high school rifle team back in the late 70's. I accepted it graciously and then went out and bought a Anschutz Model 64. (She didn't know!) But it was the thought that counted. I had cleaned it up and shot it a couple of times. Since then it has hung on my wall as a decoration. Recently I got to thinking about the value of it. Does anybody have a ball park? It is it pretty decent shape, I'd say good condition without really knowing how to appraise a rifle. It does have the gentlemans name pressed (burned) into the stock. Apparently he was in a military academy of some sort in Vineland, N.J. The latest date I found on the gun is 1911. The serial number is 616,000 range and appears to be a standard model without any bells or whistles that were offered at the time (checkered stock). There is a thumb srew on the side that allows you to break the gun down in half. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[davera]

In the 1930's the Model 1890 morphed into the Model 61 and 62, 61 was the exposed hammer and the 62 hammerless. The 1890 was made while the company was still owned by the Winchester family. Recent gun show excursions showed 61 and 62 running 500-ish in good condition. My 2002 Gun Trader's guide shows a price of 695 for the 1890. If yours has Color case hardened receiver, Gun Trader's shows an whopping 4895. A little googling or searching in this forum can tell you what case hardening color is ... it's not blued, it is kind of rainbow-ish. But at the age of your gun it might have faded away.

I think you have a nice collectors piece there.

 

[kowenjr]

Thanks Davera, I appreciate the info. Have a great Thanksgiving.

 

[rcmodel]

Sounds like a 3rd. model made in 1923.
Probably started out with a blued finish.

If the bore is real good and any bluing remains on the receiver, it could easily bring close to a grand or more.

It should be perfectly safe to shoot if it's in the condition you described.
The 1890 3rd. model, 1906, 62, and 62A were some of the strongest .22 rifles ever made. It has been said they could easily have handled .22 Hornet pressure, had the action been long enough to handle it.

They were also chambered in .22 Long, .22 LR, and .22 WRF, which was the .22 Magnum of it's day, so it is way over-built for the .22 Short.

The 1890 rifle was designed by John Browning and is another one of his brilliant designs.

The model 61 is a completely different design, by a different designer, but is also an excellent rifle.

If you plan to keep it, shoot it!
With proper care, you can't wear one out in two lifetimes.


rcmodel

 

[davera]

rcmodel

What's your source of info? I'm curious. I have the R.L. Wilson book and it has sparked some interest in acquiring some of the older Winchester .22 rifles. But it doesn't have quite the depth of information you listed. I probably don't need any more incentive to spend money on old guns ... but you know ...

I'm expecting to pick up a Model 1899 this weekend from a friend of the family who has no sons or anyone interested and just wants it to go to someone who cares and is interested.

 

[rcmodel]

Source of info?
I guess I just know stuff!

I do have the Wilson book, but I also have a gun cabinet half full of 1890', 06's, 62A's, and 61's. I have been collecting them and working on them for a lot of years.

This is a really good book on the Winchester pumps:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...e=WINCHESTER+SLIDE-ACTION+RIFLES,+VOL.+I+&+II


rcmodel

 

[davera]

rcmodel

In that case I envy your collection.

And I did come home with the 1899 today. It was in better condition that expected, the blue is off the barrel but it has a nice brownish patina. No pitting or rust on it at all. The part of the receiver that was in the wood stock is all white now. The stock itself is in nice shape, just a few dings, aka beauty spots.

The bore was pretty dirty though. It had been getting mostly shot shells through it and had not been cleaned in a long time. 20 - 30 patches later and it's pretty good. Some evidence of pitting but not bad for its age and care.

One question - the barrel says - short, long and extra long. Is extra long the same as long rifle? I don't have any shorts but did find where to order them online. I'll probably shoot it occasionally - just to say I did but otherwise cherish it. Picture essay to come.

Signed,
Beginning Winchester collector.