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For the last 12 years I have been compiling a survey on the Model 56 and 57 .22 rimfire rifles. Currently I have about 2.5% of the total production of both models logged and some interesting trends and anomalies have appeared in the data but I would like to increase the sampling to reinforce the statistics. For those of you that have a 56 Sporting rifle or 57 Target and are willing to share your information I would be grateful.
The survey currently tracks;
– Serial number (complete)
– Barrel date (2 digits located on the underside of the barrel near the receiver)
– Caliber (.22 Short or .22 Long Rifle)
– Factory upgrades (sights, stock checkering or scope)
– Non-factory upgrades/modifications (re-finishing wood or metal, aftermarket scopes, replacement parts)
– Sight package
– Stainless steel barrels
– Barrel roll-mark changes
Thanks to everyone that has already participated!
Best Regards,
PS, I have updated this post 11/28/22 to provide an excerpt from the original instructions for the Model 57.
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
January 26, 2011
Offline
Jeff,
I have a M57 with s/n 23850. It was bought new in 1931 as I happen to have a letter from the original owner telling the history of this little rifle. The barrel date is 31 and its a 22LR. It has the NobuckL sling with it that looks like it may be original to the rifle. Its a great little 22 with the original target peep sight on it.
~Gary~
Thank you Sir! I did not have that one listed.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
deerhunter said
Here’s a model 57 currently for sale at Cabelas. Serial # 22221.
Thanks!
I usually browse the auction/sale sites but missed that one. I appreciate the link and added it to the list.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
And by the time I saw the link, the rifle had been sold. It seemed to be a real nice one too. Oh well. You cannot have them all. Big Larry
Jeff,
I have three more that I found at the Cody show;
1. S/N 2440, Model 56, 22 Short, standard rifle.
2. S/N 2968, Model 57, 22 Short, standard rifle.
3. S/N 6887, Model 57, 22 Long Rifle, standard rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you Sir!
I appreciate you taking the time to jot those down for me. I have added all 3 to the survey.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Bert H. said
Jeff,
I have three more that I found at the Cody show;
1. S/N 2440, Model 56, 22 Short, standard rifle.
2. S/N 2968, Model 57, 22 Short, standard rifle.
3. S/N 6887, Model 57, 22 Long Rifle, standard rifle.
Bert
Bert, did you get any info on the seller? I am currently looking to buy a M56 in 22 LR. Thanks, Big Larry
Larry,
I did not get the seller information for the 22 LR, and it was a Model 57 versus a Model 56.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Larry,
I did not get the seller information for the 22 LR, and it was a Model 57 versus a Model 56.
Bert
Yes, now that I read it. DUH !!! Anyway, keep your eyes open for a nice M56 for me, please. Thanks, Big Larry
Jeff,
A Model 56 and a Model 57 coming up in a small auction about a month from now –
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert. The M56 is a clunker and the M57 has something added like a butt pad? I am still looking and will pay the price for a nice M56 22LR. Big Larry
Bert H. said
Jeff,
A Model 56 and a Model 57 coming up in a small auction about a month from now –
Bert
Thanks Bert!
I emailed the auction company for the full serial numbers since they were not in the description (unless I missed it). Hopefully they will supply them so I can add those 2.
I appreciate the heads up!
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Model 57
Serial number 25759
Barrel dated 1931
22 LR
Standard rifle
Barrel marked “217 CMS” on underside near barrel date. Note: “CMS” is inverted
Bill
wdkline said
Model 57
Serial number 25759
Barrel dated 1931
22 LR
Standard rifle
Barrel marked “217 CMS” on underside near barrel date. Note: “CMS” is inverted
Bill
Thanks Bill!
I already had that one in the database as being sold by Rock Island Auction but did not have the barrel date information. I appreciate you posting the details and have updated the spreadsheet.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
XLIV said
How many from me? Should be 3-57 and 2 – 56.
44
I have you down for only 4,
3 digit 56 (short)
3 digit 56 (short)
4 digit 57 (long rifle) – serial starts with a 5
5 digit 57 (long rifle) – serial starts with 22
You must have snuck another 57 when I wasn’t looking.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
XLIV said
M57 22lr
10340
1″ nobuckl
stainless steel bbl
marked follower mag
Nice! No wonder you were hiding that one from me 
Thanks for the info!
How do the proof marks look? The serial number is slightly early for a stainless barrel are they inline with the same cant or does it look like Winchester rebarreled it?
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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