Custom Winchester Model 1903 Self Loading .22 Win Auto 20” Rifle C&R 1926
SOLD FOR: $1,710.00
LSB# LSB251016KS098
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 1903
Serial Number: 115651
Year of Manufacture: 1926
Caliber: .22 Winchester Automatic
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Tubular Magazine in Butt Stock
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel and the rear sight is u notch dovetailed and screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut. These stocks have been checkered and refinished. There are light handling marks, scratches, and pressure dents that have been refinished over, particularly on the forend. There is a crack at the upper tang. The stock is slightly loose. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion in the bore. There is light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal refinish. This rifle has been engraved and refinished. There are light scratches and handling marks. There are a couple light spots of corrosion on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition for a refinish.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The takedown works as it should. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1903 Self Loading rifle dates to 1926 production and represents one of the earliest successful semi-automatic sporting rifles offered to the American public. Introduced at a time when self-loading firearms were still a novelty, the Model 1903 was engineered around a proprietary cartridge to ensure reliable function and long service life. Its tubular magazine housed in the buttstock and compact 20 inch barrel gave it a distinctive profile, while its smooth semi-automatic operation made it popular for small game hunting and recreational shooting during the early decades of the 20th century.
Chambered in .22 Winchester Automatic, the rifle reflects Winchester’s deliberate approach to early semi-automatic design. The cartridge was developed specifically for the Model 1903 to avoid the use of soft lead bullets common in .22 Long Rifle ammunition of the period, which could compromise reliability. The bright bore with sharp rifling supports continued mechanical integrity, though light erosion and pitting are present and consistent with age and use. The simple iron sights remain appropriate to the rifle’s original sporting role, emphasizing practical accuracy rather than target precision.
Overall, this example presents as a custom-modified rifle that has been engraved and refinished, departing from factory originality while remaining visually appealing. The metal retains approximately 95 percent of its refinish with only light handling marks and minor corrosion spots, and the markings remain clear. The checkered walnut stocks have been refinished and show honest wear, with a noted crack at the upper tang and slight looseness that affect condition but not overall presentation. Mechanically functional and properly assembled, this rifle stands as a distinctive, customized example of early semi-automatic rimfire design from Winchester Repeating Arms, offering historical interest paired with later decorative enhancement. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
