Winchester Model 1907 .351 SL Self Loading Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250605PL003
Model: 1907
Serial Number: 37007
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .351 Winchester Self Loading (.351 W.S.L.)
Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic with 5-Round Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base on the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U” notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and brown rubber Winchester buttpad. The stocks have a later-style thick profile with attractive grain. There are a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has light wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There is some minor erosion at the right-rear of the trigger guard. There are some scattered light marks under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear with soft edges. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
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 10-round box magazine marked “-.351 CAL-” on the bottom.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Models 1907/07 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 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. This series of Self-Loading rifles tells an interesting tale as John Browning had previously designed rifles incorporating helpful features like a bolt handle for Winchester, which Winchester had patented for Browning, only for the two to fail to reach an agreement and the innovations go to Remington for production under the Browning patent. Thus, many of the awkward features on this rifle wear done to avoid patent infringement by Winchester on a patent that they had paid for but Remington was benefiting from. 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 rifle was made in 1917, just before America would be plunged into the Great Depression. The rifle has had its stocks replaced, a significant improvement not only for their thickness, but also for their beautiful grain. In addition to the stocks, the metal has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The rifle retains a strong bore and good mechanics, so it would be well worth getting back out in the field or on the range. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
