Winchester Model 55 Takedown Like 1894 .30-30 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1929 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210918MW37
Make: Winchester
Model: 55
Serial Number: 11467
Year of Manufacture: 1929
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.-”.
Barrel Length: 24” Nominal, 24 1/4″ Measured
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman blade dovetailed to a base forged to the barrel. The sight blade is notched for a bead, but no bead is present The rear sight is a King “U”-notched buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch has a white diamond aiming reference, is fine-adjustable for elevation, and can be reversed to present a square notch. The elevator is marked from 1-4 at its notches. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). The left of the receiver has six holes which have been drilled, tapped, and blind-filled then finished over. There is one hole which is drilled, tapped and filled which would likely have been for some kind of receiver sight or scope mount, but with the other holes filled we’re not sure if it will serve any purpose.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and serrated steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most finished over. There are more notable dings on the left of the forend at the top and on the right of the comb near the front. The left of the buttstock has a small but deep ding which has a very crisp round edge on the inside. There are small chip-losses and thin cracks at the front corners of the wrist on the right. There are cracks at the toe on each side. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is mostly worn to white with scattered wear, light surface erosion, and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. Our bore gauge gave an M.E. of about 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its current metal finish. The finish is mottled with scattered wear, and the worn areas appear to have been touched-up with cold blue. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface erosion, most notable on the left receiver flat at the blind filled holes. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with useable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn but legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Good-plus condition as refinished.
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 lever is smooth, 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 1929, 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 great bore and strong mechanics. This rifle could be heading back out in the field to drop some deer but would also help round out a collection missing the Model 55. Please see our photos and good luck!