Winchester Model 53 .25-20 WCF 22″ Lever Action Rifle Half Magazine C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,266.00

LSB#: LSB260708WC015

Make: Winchester

Model: 53

Serial Number: 5812

Year of Manufacture: C&R

Caliber: .25-20 WCF

Action Type: Lever action rifle fed from a half-length under-barrel tubular magazine.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 53 – WINCHESTER TRADE MARK – NICKEL STEEL – 25-20 W.C.F.” The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER TRADE MARK MADE IN U.S.A.” The serial number 5812 is marked on the lower tang.

Barrel Length: 22″

Sights / Optics: A front sight and an adjustable open rear sight with elevator.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is stocked in walnut with a straight wrist, a straight comb and a serrated metal buttplate. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There is no major damage to the stock. The wood shows scattered handling marks. The stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is light corrosion and erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original blued finish. The barrel and magazine tube retain much of their blue, while the receiver has toned to a silver-gray. The walnut is free of major damage. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Winchester introduced the Model 53 in 1924 as an updated version of the Model 1892, pairing the proven Browning-designed action with a nickel steel barrel and a half magazine for a lighter, handier rifle. It was made only until 1932, and its short production run makes it considerably scarcer than the Model 1892 it was based on. The .25-20 WCF was one of the most popular small game and varmint cartridges of the era, prized for its accuracy and mild report.

This example retains about 70% of its original blue, with the barrel showing strong color against a silvered receiver. The bore is semi-bright and rates 7/10, and the walnut is free of major damage. It is a scarce and handy Winchester lever action in a classic small game chambering.