Bert H. said
As a point of interest, there is quite often a misconception within the collecting community that the ½ octagon barrel was a “special” order feature, when in fact, it was not. Instead, it was simply an “optional” order, and it was not a rare or even uncommon option.   

But in order to obtain a cataloged option, even if it was available without extra charge, such as (on some models) a shotgun plate instead of a rifle plate, wasn’t it necessary to place what would amount to a “special order”?  Unless of course a gun with that option could be found on a dealer’s rack, which, in the case of half-octagons, must not have happened very often, or they’d be more common. 

Maybe the reason dealers didn’t stock more half-octagons was because (as you suggested) the visual effect is spoiled by a full-length magazine tube–they don’t look quite right to me, though of course that doesn’t apply to models with shortened tubes, or the SS model; but even on SSs, full-octagons are more common than half-octagons.

One maker–Stevens–made half-octagons standard on all its models, except the cheapest boy’s rifles; full-octagons were an extra-cost option. 

jwm94 said
I like the different configurations but, most of all, I like the octagon barrel with the full magazine and a preference for the heavy/extra heavy barrels. 

Good question Clarence.  I think the reason that my Uncle did not stock a lot of Winchesters in his small country story was due to money and space, so rifles that did not have the features that a customer might want were ordered at the counter.

James  

Clarence the round barrel was the standard barrel for some rifles but octagons are everywhere.  The buyer ordered what he wanted but it did not require more money or a “special” order. 

I too like half octagon barrels with a full mag although they are few in my collection. I have a couple round barrels but only because octagon was not the standard barrel and in some cases the octagon was not known to be available.

Well now I guess I’m gunna pitch in My .2c worth. I like ’em all , however I prefer the 22′ EXTRA LIGHT WEIGHT BBL in 1/2 oct. with the 4 cartridge mag, and shot gun butt, then I prefer the 26″ and greater length with oct, bbl. with a full mag and crescent butt. There’s just so damn many and I want ’em all but I guess that ain’t gunna happen.  The way I figure it though, if I outlive all the current Winchester collectors ,and it seems the younger generation likes the AR15’s and such, I may be able to build up My collection by several thousand pieces as they’ll be really cheap due to lack of interest. I’d have bought a lot more when they were $100.00 and $200.00  but I was only earning like .85c an hour in 1963. I just couldn’t buy gas for the ’55 Ford @.42c a gal. and beer @ $4.00  and .50c to get into the drive-in theater, pay Mother $10.00 for board and buy a $100.00 gun. My first collectable guns were 2 Mod. ’93 Marlins I bought for $45.00