Winchester Model 07 1907 Self Loading SL .351 WSL Semi-Auto Rifle 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2524
LSB#: 220124LV006
Make: Winchester
Model: 07 (previously 1907)
Serial Number: 56163
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1955
Caliber: .351 Winchester Self Loading (.351 W.S.L.)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / –WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL–“, “-WINCHESTER- / –TRADE MARK–“, “MODEL 07”, and “-351 CAL-“. The top of the receiver and the top of the barrel are both marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver and the left side of the trigger guard portion of the receiver are both marked “56163”. There is a small “N” marked behind the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetail set blade. The rear sight is a “U” notched elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut, with a pistol grip, serrated steel buttplate, and a steel forend cap/band that is integral with the bolt handle. The wood has some scattered little patches of finish loss, compressions, scuffs, and minor scratches. Some of the most noticeable finish loss is on the left side and bottom of the forend at the rear. The most noticeable scratches are on the sides of the buttstock at the rear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear around the edges. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a couple of freckles of surface erosion so faint they are hardly noticeable.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The edges have finish loss. There are some scattered scuffs and spots of finish loss, most noticeable on the barrel towards the front and on the top of the receiver toward the rear. There are a few scattered hairline scratches and little nicks through the finish. There are a few scattered spots of light oxidation, some of the most noticeable are scattered over the receiver. There are a few little tool marks on the barrel nut. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are only lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 10-Round magazine is provided.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1907 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company beginning in 1907 with production ending in 1957. It is fed from a standard 5 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 1907 was the .351 S.L., pushing a 180 gr. bullet out of the barrel at about 1850 fps., more than twice the energy of a modern .357 Magnum shot out of a pistol. The Model 1907 followed the semi-automatic models 1903 (rimfire) and 1905 (.32 or .35 Win), preceding the model 1910 (.401 Win.), all designed by Thomas Johnson, a key designer for Winchester who also designed the Model 12 shotgun. France ordered 2,800 of these rifles from Winchester during WWI and would modify them to fire fully automatically and equip their troops with larger magazines for trench raiding. This example was made in Ca. 1955 towards the end of production. It shows the improved features found in later rifles and has some of the “Police” features. The stocks are much thicker than the early examples which were well known to develop severe cracks with normal use. The charging plunger has had a finger-groove tip installed, which anyone who has operated the earlier smooth, round plungers will immediately recognize as a needed improvement. The magazine release tab is larger and serrated. Rounding out the updates is a sturdy checkered steel buttplate and a set of sling swivels with an inlet base in the belly of the buttstock. This example is in great condition, showing signs of very little use and responsible storage. This is an outstanding example of a Winchester semi-auto rifle design which should be of interest to any Winchester collector. With its great bore, if it isn’t gobbled up by collectors, it will make a nice camp rifle that would be excellent against predators and deer. Please see our photos and good luck!