Pre-64 Winchester Model 55 .30-30 WCF 24″ Button Mag Lever Rifle 1931 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS067

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 55

Serial Number: 1074273

Year of Manufacture: 1931 C&R

Caliber: .30-30 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a 1/2 length button tubular magazine.

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “–MODEL 55- WINCHESTER – NICKEL STEEL – 30 W.C.F.– / –TRADE MARK–”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / –NEW HAVEN, CONN.–”. The top-rear of the barrel and the receiver’s chamber ring each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The underside of the receiver is marked “1074273”. The top tang is marked WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“. 

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a Marbles type adjustable leaf sight with elevator. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none installed) The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a tang peep sight (none installed)

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, and Type 2 serrated buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate.There are scattered handling marks, compression dents, and scratches throughout. There are notable spots of damage on the forend, both sides. The forend has shrunk a little and is loose. There is minor oil darkening at the wrist. There is minor weathering by the buttplate. There are no cracks.  Overall, the stocks are in Good Plus condition for C&R.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original metal

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very minor wear and erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original finish. There is minor corrosion freckling, most notably by the muzzle. The finish of the receiver has worn to mostly silver patina, especially near the front ring from carrying afield. The lever has worn to a mostly silver patina. Overall condition of this rifle is Good for a C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever safety does function properly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:  This Pre-64 Winchester Model 55 dates to 1931 and represents Winchester’s refined evolution of the Model 1894 platform, intended as a lighter, faster handling sporting rifle for the American hunter. The Model 55 is distinguished by its shorter half length button magazine and streamlined profile, features that reduced weight and improved balance while retaining the proven strength of John M. Browning’s lever action design. Chambered in .30-30 WCF, this rifle reflects the height of the cartridge’s dominance as the standard North American deer round during the early twentieth century.

The .30-30 Winchester, introduced in 1895, was the first small bore sporting cartridge designed from the outset for smokeless powder and quickly earned a reputation for practical accuracy, mild recoil, and dependable terminal performance. The 24 inch barrel on this example provides excellent sight radius and efficient velocity, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only minor wear and erosion, rating an 8 out of 10. Factory markings are clear, including the Nickel Steel designation and Winchester proof marks, underscoring the rifle’s originality and period correctness.

The smooth walnut stock set retains the classic Model 55 configuration with capped forend, straight grip, and Type 2 serrated steel buttplate. Condition is consistent with careful field use, showing scattered handling marks, minor oil darkening at the wrist, and light weathering near the buttplate, but no structural cracks. The metal finish retains approximately 70 percent original blue, with honest carry wear transitioning to silver patina on the receiver and lever. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and proper safety engagement, presenting as a solid and authentic Depression era Winchester sporting rifle that remains both historically significant and mechanically sound. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF