1st Year Winchester Model 1905 Self-Loading .32 WSL Semi-Auto Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
WOA#: WY240531GA004
Model: 1905 Self Loading
Serial Number: 6963
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Caliber: .32 Winchester Self Loading (.32 W.S.L.)
Action Type: Blowback Operated Takedown Semi-Automatic with 5-Round Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / SELF LOADING, MODEL 1905.” with patent dates and “-32 CAL.”. There are Winchester proofs at the rear of the barrel and top of the receiver. The serial number is marked on the left receiver flat at the bottom-rear and on the trigger assembly just below. The top tang is marked “MOD – 1905 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to a base integral to the front of the barrel. The bead appears to have been white, it has mostly broken off. The rear sight is a “V” notched elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have a few light nicks and scratches. There are a few more notable previous marks that have been finished over. There are no overt signs of sanding, but it does appear a new coat of finish was applied. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has moderate-heavy wear. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Much of the remaining finish appears Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light wear with worn areas showing treatment with cold blue. There are some minor nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
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 5-round box magazine.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1905 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company beginning in 1905, with production ending in 1920 after a little over 29,000 had been built. It was the center-fire follow-up to the rimfire Model 1903. Two factory chamberings were offered for the 1905 model: .32 SL and .35 WSL. The .32 WSL cartridge used in the M1905 was intended as a short-range cartridge for smaller game such as fox and coyote. This rifle is a M1905 chambered in .32 WSL made in the first year of production. The rifle is in Very Good condition with wear consistent with its age and use in the field. We can only hope to be in the same condition when we’re almost 120 years old! These old Winchester self loaders are quite collectible, and if you don’t have a 1905 chambered for .32 yet, it will make a nice addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
