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Today’s gun show pick. Wasn’t looking for one but couldn’t pass it up. Actually a neat gun and since I didn’t recall seeing one here…$250 out the door.
Darrin
November 7, 2015
Offline
Nice score! Never seen one in person, would like to see how it works. Looks pretty slick.
Mike
Good snag!
I’ve never seen one in person that was available to buy, but did end up with one in a collection of guns from an estate liquidation out of Washington about 6 months ago. It appears to be a clean and original example that I look forward to shooting in the next couple months.
The great thing about the Model 55 rimfire is they are the easiest Winchester .22 to collect. Other than either a walnut or cherry stock, there were no variations whatsoever during it’s short production. If you own one, you have a complete Model 55 collection 
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
I have never seen one in the flesh and these are the best photos of the model I’ve seen. When I first read the Model 55 was a “single shot autumatic” i thought it was a solution in search of a problem, invented by someone with too much time on his hands.
But now I realize it wasn’t a bad idea at all and is a rifle that fits into that postwar category of Winchester designs that share the “sleek, modern, functional” look of the Fifties and early Sixties: Models 77, 88, 100, 50 and 59. I don’t know who designed the 55 but I think all of them reflect the influence of Marsh Wiiliams and, possibly, Harry Sefried, in the design department. I know the short recoil 50 and 59 shotguns were designed principally by Williams. My son has my Model 59, one of best and most underappreciated automatic shotguns ever made. It handles like a fine double.
And at $250 out the door you almost ought to be ashamed of yourself. Almost.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Thanks guys,
First time I saw one I couldn’t see the attraction or necessity. After shooting it, I see it being ultimately safe for my grandson to learn shooting skills. Shoots inside a quarter at 25 yds and functions without flaw. I’ve only used standard target ammo as I’d heard about the loading gate breaking if hi-speed ammo is used. Only need to reset the bolt if it’s released for storage, otherwise inserting a cartridge sets the safety when the breech cover is depressed. This gun has cherry wood stock so….guess I’ll try to complete the “collection” with a walnut version.😁
Darrin
I love my Winchester 55. It’s a great looking rifle, didn’t cost much, shoots accurately, great for safely introducing someone to shooting, and a conversation starter at any range. Plus it’s the only Winchester that shares it name with a big brother. I had to replace the loading gate after a standard velocity round split at the rim (most likely over charged) and bits of plastic hit my safety glasses. The report told me right away what happened. There are no original replacements but I located the last aluminium one Frost had. Looks and functions the same and makes the rifle even safer.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
The Winchester model 55 is by far the safest gun to use for a kid the safety automatically sets when the loading gate is pushed down to load a single round and you have to take it off safety each time you load it. It’s a open bolt rifle so it automatically cocks you just put another bullet in and take off the safety and pull the trigger. awesome concept.
Interesting concept, but not intuitive to operate, then, or now. I think the standard bolt action Model 47 is the best and safest first rifle for kids as it also automatically sets the safety when the bolt is opened but the design is a standard bolt action which is relatable to future bolt action centerfire rifles and the empty shells are ejected upward and right as in most rifles whereas the Model 55 cartridges are ejected straight downward and if you are using a traditional forearm hold and have loose cuffs on your shirtsleeves the hot brass goes into your cuff and down your arm. This has happened to me more than once….so my vote goes to the Model 47 single shot. 😉
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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