Winchester Model 53 Takedown .32 WCF 22″ Lever Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,969.00

LSB#: LSB260505JM022

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 53

Serial Number: 347

Year of Manufacture: 1924

Caliber: .32-20, 32 WCF

Action Type: Lever action with half length tubular magazine.

Barrel Length: 22″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. There is a peep sight installed on the upper tang. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. This stock has been refinished. There are scratches and light compression dents scattered throughout. There is some oil darkening at the wrist. The corners of the wrist are sanded to leave metal proud. The forend wood is slightly loose. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its original finish. There is handling wear most notably at the front receiver ring. There are scratches and light corrosion stains scattered throughout. The barrel is starting to lightly patina. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition. 

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The takedown functions correctly. There is no play in the receiver. 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 Winchester Model 53 Takedown is an appealing C&R-eligible lever-action rifle manufactured in 1924 and chambered in .32 WCF/.32-20. The low serial number, takedown configuration, 22″ barrel, half-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut stock, and crescent steel buttplate give it strong early Winchester sporting-rifle character. The original rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged, but the installed upper tang peep sight adds practical period-style sighting utility.

The bore is one of the rifle’s strongest attributes, described as bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only light fouling, rating 9/10 in the writer’s opinion. Mechanically, both the action and takedown system function correctly, and importantly there is no play in the receiver, which is a key positive on a takedown rifle. The metal retains about 80% of its original blue finish, with handling wear most notable at the front receiver ring, scattered scratches, light corrosion staining, and some early patina forming on the barrel. The markings remain clear, while the screw heads are tooled but serviceable.

The stock is the main condition caveat. It has been refinished, shows scratches and light compression dents, has some oil darkening at the wrist, and the wrist corners have been sanded enough to leave metal proud. The forend wood is also slightly loose, though there are no chips or cracks. Overall, this is a solid and desirable early Winchester Model 53 takedown rifle with a strong bore, functional mechanics, clear markings, and good remaining original metal finish, with collector value moderated by the refinished wood, removed rear sight, serviceable but tooled screws, and minor stock fit issues. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF