Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Winchester Model 1890 is a pump-action (slide-action) repeating rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in the late 19th and early 20th century. Intended for target shooting and small game, it was chambered in several different .22 chamberings, all of which were NOT interchangeable. Designed under a new patent by John Browning, it became the most successful repeating rimfire rifle for general all-around shooting ever made by Winchester. After the first 15,000 were produced, they moved to a 2nd model, which was a take-down rifle, perfect for stowing in a small rifle case for transport.
This fine example of a 2nd Model 1890 rifle is in .22 Winchester Rimfire caliber (Marked 22 W.R.F above the chamber) with a desirable 24 inch octagonal barrel and 18 inch bottom loaded magazine tube. It features the classic front sight and a simple notch rear sight on the barrel, as well as a lovely adjustable "peep sight" mounted to the receiver tang. Serial number 27504 denotes year of manufacture as 1894, the fifth year of production. The address marking on top of the barrel is still fully legible:-
--- MANUFACTURED BY THE ---
--- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. ---
The receiver tang still has the correct Winchester markings fully intact and easily legible, however they can only be seen by removing the tang mounted "peep" sight:-
WINCHESTER
- MODEL 1890 -
PAT. JUNE 25-88. DEC. 6-92.
Original walnut stocks are in very good solid condition with the classic red brown color of aged oiled walnut, and have a lovely glow. They have no major structural issues, just some scratching and denting consistent with use. The ribs on the front sliding stock are still crisp, with no damage or chunks missing. Features a crescent butt plate without a storage compartment.
Until serial number 100,000, these were produced with a case-hardened receiver and blued barrel, magazine tube, and beech bolt . The bluing is still very well retained on those components, however as we often see, the case hardening is worn on the receiver, now displaying a grayish patina. Case hardening was unfortunately not nearly as durable a finish as bluing was, which may be why the finish was changed on the receivers after serial number 100,000.
The action is in fully functional condition and cycles well, with no sticking and a crisp dry fire. The take down functionality works correctly, and the magazine tube pulls out for loading, though it can take some effort. The bore on this rifle is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There definitely is some wear to the lands, so we would rate this probably at about an 8 out of 10.
Overall this is a great example of the classic "gallery gun", fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: .22 Winchester Rimfire
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 40 ½ Inches
Action type: Pump (Slide) Action Repeater
Feed System: Tube magazine
History of the Model 1890
In the late 1880s, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company asked John Browning to design a replacement for the Model 1873 rifle since the rimfire version of the Model 1873 had never achieved any great popularity. On June 26, 1888, a patent for the new design was issued to John and Matthew Browning. Under this patent, Winchester created the second repeating slide action .22 rifle ever successfully developed and manufactured, being narrowly edged out by the small-frame Colt Lightning Carbine.
The Model 1890 proved to be the most successful repeating rimfire rifle for general all-around shooting ever made by Winchester. Approximately 849,000 Model 1890 rifles were produced between 1890 and 1932, after which the Model 1890 was replaced by the Winchester Model 62 rifle. The final cleanup of stock on hand was completed in 1941.
The Model 1890 was a slide-action, top-ejecting rifle with an 18-inch magazine tube under the barrel. It had a 24-inch octagonal barrel, a plain walnut stock, and an overall weight of approximately 6lbs. Pistol grip stocks were available on later rifles.
Calibers for the rifle include .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, and .22 Winchester Rimfire. The Model 1890 will only feed the round specific to that gun (e.g. a Model 1890 stamped ".22 Short" on the barrel will not feed .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, or .22 WRF; despite there being other 1890s chambered in those calibers). The .22 Long Rifle version was added in 1919. For many years, the Model 1890 was considered to be the standard for use in shooting galleries, hence its nickname of "gallery gun."
The Model 1890 was produced in three distinct versions.
- The first model had a solid frame, a case-hardened receiver, and a fixed rear sight. Approximately 15,000 of these were produced between 1890 and 1892.
- The second model was designed as a takedown rifle. It also had a case-hardened receiver but had an adjustable rear sight. In August 1901, the case-hardened receiver was changed to a blued version. Approximately 100,000 second-model rifles were produced with case-hardened receivers, and 200,000 were produced with blued receivers. A deluxe version was offered, which featured a fancy checkered walnut stock available in either straight or pistol grip and a grooved slide handle.
- The third model was also produced as a takedown rifle and featured a modified receiver that allowed the breech bolt to lock externally. The third model was also available in a deluxe version, which, similar to the second model, featured a fancy checkered walnut stock available in either straight or pistol grip and a grooved slide handle.
NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: United Kingdom
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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