Winchester Model 1910 SL .401 Self-Loading Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,780.88
LSB#: 191007JS05
Make: Winchester
Model: 1910
Serial Number: 9030
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .401 Winchester Self Loading (.401 W.S.L.)
Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic with 4-Round Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. SELF LOADING MODEL 1910. PAT. AUG. 27. / DEC. 10. 1901. FEB. 25. 1902. FEB. 17. DEC. 22. 1903. AUG. 21. OCT. 30. 1906. JULY 5. 1910.”, “-.401 CAL.” and “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof mark. The left receiver flat is marked “9030” at the bottom-rear, the bottom-left shoulder of the trigger portion of the receiver is marked “9030” above the trigger. The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / MOD. 1910 S.L.”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetail set to a base integral to the front of the barrel with some remnants of white paint on the sides. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed into the rear of the barrel with the notch fine-adjustable for elevation. There are two drilled, tapped and filled holes in the upper tang that could be used for mounting a peep sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with flat-bottom half-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate with sling eyelets in the belly and forend cap. The stocks have several scattered light compressions, nicks, dings, scratches and scuffs witha few more moderate marks and some areas of thinning finish. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly at the heel and toe with otherwise well defined checkering and lettering, in about Very Good condition. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The finish is generally strong with evenly scattered minor surface oxidation on the receiver, little of which shows on the barrel. The trigger guard has a light patina and the top tang has handling wear. There are several scattered light scratches and handling marks, again mostly on the receiver with little on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one 4-round box magazine marked “-.401 CAL-” on the bottom and with a No Buckl vintage canvas sling. The magazine has scattered light operational wear and surface oxidation with intact feed lips and a very strong spring, in about Very Good condition. The sling has some wear and minor discoloration on the metal and canvas, in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1910 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company beginning in 1910 with production ending in 1936. It is fed from a 4 round capacity, detachable box magazine located immediately forward of the trigger guard. The only cartridge offered by Winchester as a factory chambering in the Model 1910 was the .401 S.L., pushing a 200 gr. bullet out of the barrel at about 2100 fps., easily twice the energy of a modern .41 Magnum shot out of a pistol. The Model 1910 followed the semi-automatic models 1903 (rimfire), 1905 (.32 or .35 Win), and 1907 (.351 Win.), all designed by Thomas Johnson, a key designer for Winchester who also designed the Model 12 shotgun. France and Russia both placed orders for this rifle from Winchester during WWI. This rifle was made in 1912, quite early in production. It is in about Very Good-plus condition with 87% of its original finish remaining, some scattered light wear and minor surface oxidation. The wood shows wear consistent with light use in the field over the last century, but has survived surprisingly well. The bore is surprisingly fantastic, indicating use by a responsible sportsman who maintained the bore quite well. This is a great example of an early semi-auto rifle, and probably has a lot of history if it could be told. This rifle should be of interest to Winchester collectors, especially since it is in such good shape. If it isn’t gobbled up by collectors, this will make a nice camp rifle that would be excellent against predators and deer. Please see our photos and good luck!