Pre-64 Winchester Model 55 Like 1894 .30-30 WCF Lever Rifle, 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $760
WOA#: WY240316MC012
Make: Winchester
Model: 55
Serial Number: 2977
Year of Manufacture: 1926
Caliber: .30-30 W.C.F. (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 55–”, “WINCHESTER / –TRADE MARK—”, “– NICKEL STEEL – 30 W.C.F. –“, the top of the barrel and receiver have “WP” in oval, the underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / —NEW HAVEN CONN.—“. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-”. The takedown lever on the magazine tube cap is marked “-PAT. JUNE 6. 1893-“.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded Lyman blade dovetailed to a base forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a D.W. King “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). The left of the receiver has had four holes drilled and tapped, presumably for mounting a sight/optic. Three of the holes are filled.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and serrated steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, some oiled over. There is scattered light finish wear and there is some discoloration in the grip areas. There is a small fill in the left of the forend toward the front and a short crack at the right-rear of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered nicks, some minor oxidation, and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas. Most surfaces have worn or been polished to white. There is some scattered minor surface erosion and oxidation. There are some light nicks and scratches. In addition to the holes drilled in the left of the receiver, a hole has been drilled through the takedown lever into the magazine tube, tapped in the tube, presumably for some sort of lock-screw that is missing. 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 Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a 3 round removable tube magazine, which allows the rifle to be taken down in seconds for maintenance and storage. The trigger is crisp. This rifle features a half cock and lever safety. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: By the early 1920’s, Winchester’s Model 94 rifle was losing sales, and in 1924 Winchester introduced an updated version of the Model 94 rifle dubbed the Model 55. The Winchester Model 55 was a rifle with a 24-inch barrel, a half-magazine that held three cartridges and was a takedown rifle which was convenient for storage and transport. It was initially chambered only in .30-30 Win., but .25-35 Win. and .32 Win. Spl. were added in 1926. For the first few years, the Model 55 carried its own set of serial numbers. In 1930, Winchester started producing Models 55 with a solid frame, using Model 94 receivers and serialized in the established Model 94 range. In 1932, with approximately 20,500 guns made, the Model 55 was discontinued to make way for the Winchester Model 64.
This rifle was made in 1926, in the earlier years with a takedown action and serialized in the Model 55 serial range. The rifle certainly looks like it has seen its share of use, but it still retains a good bore and strong mechanics. This rifle would be equally suited to rounding out a Winchester lever-rifle collection or to heading back out in the field to drop some deer. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
