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I own a lever action .32 Special Winchester rifle. The magazine removes by flipping out a small lever at the end and unscrewing it. Once removed, the gun breaks down at the breach by twisting it a half turn. I was told by the original owner that it was manufactured in 1926 for the Sesquicentennial. Condition is very good. Purchased with the original box of shells, had been shot 7 times. Serial number 10031. Approximate value?
Already Tried: Just internet search
Hi,
Is your gun a Model 94? If it is, the serial number is XXXXX too low for a gun made in 1926. You may have missed a number. What is the barrel length and is the stock checkered?
Tom
It is a Model 55, barrel is 23 1/8 inches long. I've never seen a gun, especially lever action where the magazine screws out and the gun breaks down at the breach. As far as the year, the guy was very old when I acquired the rifle 33 years ago. It had a canvas carrying bag for when it was broke down. Unfortunately, I never thought I'd have a use for it and don't have it any more. The serial number is XXXXX and the stock is smooth.
The Winchester Model 55 was a simplified continuation of the Model 1894. It was available in the same calibers as the 1894, but was only produced with a 24" round barrel and a straight grip walnut stock, plain forend and a shotgun style buttplate. The barrel and receiver are blued and it was made in a solid and takedown version. There were approximately 21,000 Model 55's manufactured between 1924 and 1932. Your gun was made in 1928.
The values for your gun are:
excellent-$1500, very good-$1000, good-$650, fair-$450, poor-$200
Winchester made many of their lever actions with the same takedown feature. The Models 1894, 1892, 1886 and 1876 all were available as takedown rifles.
I hope this helps you,
That helps a bunch, thank you very much Tom. I've been told different things throughout the years. It was well worth the $14 to get that answer.
You're welcome. Glad I could help.
Go ahead and fire it, that is what they were made for. The receivers are strong and it will not loosen or hurt anything. I have one in the shop right now that I am rebuilding along with the customers Model 12. They were found in his grandparents attic. They were probably there for 70 years. Split stock and rust on the 55 and a bulged barrel on the 12 along with rust. The gun is well made and you can shoot it every day for the next 25 years and it will not hurt it.
If you ever decide to sell it, stay away from Cabelas and Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop too. They will give you about 20% of what it is worth and sell it for 50% more than the value.
Experience: 12 YRS EXPERIENCE, LAW ENFORCEMENT ARMORER