Winchester Model 55 Takedown Like 1894 .32 Special WS Lever Rifle, 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,310.00
LSB#: WY240718JS002
Make: Winchester
Model: 55
Serial Number: 10431
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .32 Winchester Special
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight isa Lyman brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is two-leaf folding sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; one leaf has a “V”-notch, the other has a flat-top with a white triangle aiming reference. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 21 receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The indicator tab is missing from the lock-lever assembly and the sight does not lock down properly.
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, scrapes and scratches, most notable on the sides of the forend. A hole has been drilled near the toe, presumably for a sling stud, but there is no stud present. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some scattered light oxidation and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The balance is mostly in scattered light surface oxidation. There is handling wear in the tangs and barrel extension. There is wear on the bottom of the barrel from disassembly. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. It takes down properly, there is no play between the barrel and receiver when assembled. This rifle has a half-cock safety and its lever safety functions properly. 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: 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 1928, in the earlier years with a takedown action and serialized in the Model 55 serial range. It is chambered for .32 Winchester Special cartridge which, like the .30-30 Winchester cartridge of 1895, is part of a family of cartridges developed for the 1894 which took advantage of smokeless powder for improved performance. The heavier projectiles are typically preferred for closer shots or when used in thick brush, and has been popular over the years for hunting black bear. The rifle looks like it has seen some use in the field but retains about 70% of its original metal finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. This should still make for a good hunting rifle, but will also be a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the Model 55. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
