New to me is a .22 Short Winder musket; serial # 1202xx puts it in the reported second variant block, though it seems to be a third variant–has the Lyman sight, low wall, non-drilled & tapped barrel. When was it likely produced–late 1917/early 1918? And would it have originally had a forend stock with a retaining clip vice the transverse band screw?
Thanks in advance for any information!
What is the complete serial number? The transition between the 2nd variation and the 3rd variation Winder Muskets took place in the 119000 – 122100 serial range. Production of the 3rd variation began in January 1918, and the forend stocks were retained with a spring-clip through April 1918. The vast majority of the 3rd variation Winder Muskets were assembled with a transverse band screw.
Is your Winder Musket ordnance marked? If it is not, does it have a Trap Door butt plate?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert–appreciate the reply. It is 120279 (I had overlooked your article’s mention that there was a fairly broad transition period between 2nd/3rd variant). It does not have a trap door, and is US marked. And the stock was shortened a few inches forward of the band (a Junior Rifle Corps cut I believe, from a post and picture I had previously seen). Will post a picture or two once I figure out how. Thanks again.
JP_MA_3006 said
Bert–appreciate the reply. It is 120279 (I had overlooked your article’s mention that there was a fairly broad transition period between 2nd/3rd variant). It does not have a trap door, and is US marked. And the stock was shortened a few inches forward of the band (a Junior Rifle Corps cut I believe, from a post and picture I had previously seen). Will post a picture or two once I figure out how. Thanks again.
Hmmm… very interesting. I had previously documented s/n 120279 in my research survey as a non-ordnance marked 3rd variation Winder Musket, and with the chamber reamed out to shoot a 22 WMR cartridge.
I will look forward to seeing the pictures.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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