Winchester Model 90 .22 Short 24” Slide Action Rifle MFD 1902 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,775.00

LSB#: LSB250530JH026

Make: Winchester

Model:  Model 90

Serial Number: 146525

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Slide Action Fed by tubular magazine.

Markings: The lower tang is marked with the serial number “146525”. On top of the barrel is marked “22 SHORT”. On the rear sight its marking “PAT . JAN.29.1901.” On the top of the barrel it is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A PAT. JUNE. 28. 88. DEC. 6. 92.” The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / -MODEL 1890- / PAT. JUNE 26. 88. DEC. 6. 92.”.

Barrel Length: 24” Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel (the bead is bent to the left). The rear sight is a V-Notch leaf sight with elevator screw, screwed to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece wood with straight grip, straight comb, 12-groove pump grip, and steel crescent buttplate. The stock has minor scratching and a few compression marks.  The LOP measures 12 3/4 from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about overall Very Good condition.

Type of Finish:  Chrome

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is visible but very faint. There is heavy erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 4 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear. There is some corrosion of the finish on the receiver, bottom of barrel, buttplate, and trigger guard. The screw heads are sharp other than one on the receiver and the slide action. The right pump grip screw is marred and no longer serviceable. The pins are sharp. The markings are worn but legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition. 

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: The Winchester Model 1890, later known simply as the Model 90, was one of the most successful and iconic rimfire rifles of the early 20th century. Designed by John Moses Browning, the Model 90 quickly became a favorite for small game hunting and target shooting—and perhaps most famously, for use in shooting galleries across America. This 1902-dated example is chambered in .22 Short, the most common chambering for gallery rifles, and features many of the early markings that collectors look for. While the rifle retains approximately 90% of its refinished chrome finish and the action cycles properly, the bore shows significant erosion and degradation, making this more of a display or restoration piece than a shooter.

Despite the bore’s condition, this Winchester Model 90 still offers immense charm and historical value. Its sleek profile, pump-action mechanism, and early production date represent a formative period in American rimfire rifle design. The well-preserved wood stock adds to its visual appeal, and its overall condition suggests it spent most of its life cared for, albeit at some point given a non-original chrome finish. This would make a fine addition to any collection of classic Winchester rifles or a great candidate for a detailed restoration project. Please look at our photos of this rifle and good luck on your bid! – N.P.