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June 15, 2007
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I just received this rifle off GB. I think it is more than what the seller thought. It was really grungy on the metal finish. Tomorrow I clean the stock a little. It even has a few little dried paint specks.
I took these pics before I clean it better. It has hardened grunge in the nooks and crannies. Bore is supposed to be very good. We will see.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/winchester1890016.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/593/winchester1890001.jpg/
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http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/winchester1890009.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/winchester1890010.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/208/winchester1890012.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/winchester1890019.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/winchester1890007.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/winchester1890018.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/winchester1890014.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/winchester1890015.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/802/winchester1890.jpg/
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I think the rear sight is original to the gun, and is an special order sight.
WACA #11669
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November 9, 2008
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Congrats, nice 90! I love’em!
June 15, 2007
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The gun was on consignment to a gun shop in a small town in Idaho, pop. 625. It was brought in by the family of a rancher along with a bunch of vintage guns. This was the only one I could afford, $750 shipped with no transfer fee at my end. I traded for a couple guns there while it came in, so he threw in the transfer.
I think the gun, being all original and working fine, from the original owner, is worth it to me. I have Schwing’s book coming so I can find out all about this neat rifle.
WACA #11669
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November 9, 2008
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You did good! It’s a 3rd model and looks correct, I’ve seen a few with that rear sight, a nice honest gun. CCI makes ammo for it, if the bore is ok it should shoot fine!
July 9, 2006
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A nice honest M.90 made in the middle of 1910
Interesting rear sight Winchester Number 22 A or H? Hard to see in the picture.
Only .09% Model 1890s had factory special order sights in this era so even though it is hard to prove that makes it interesting
You will enjoy Schwing’s book as it gives so much more detail, I have just given you a couple of bites at the cherry
I’ve got a 1904 short with the same sporting sight. Very likely original. Where the thumb (serrated?) hump on the leaf rides on the top flat is usually worn through the bluing. If the bore is 8/10 or better that is a big score. Very hard to find an 1890/90 with a excellent or better bore with considerable exterior wear. Enjoy shooting your WRF. The WRF is about as close to a standard velocity magnum made. I’ve got a circa 1911 3rd model 1890 WRF that’s 90%+ on the outside but still maybe a 7/10 bore. Primarily leaded up rather than actual wear. Still shoots perfectly out to 100 yards.
That’s a decent price and it looks all original. Congrats!
Couple other thoughts: I take each 1890 completely down when I first purchase in order to remove the years of gunk build up. If you remove the outer mag tube and run a big patch through it you’ll likely be amazed at the massive powder residue. If you remove the bolt you can usually get inside the receiver and clean the bolt fairly well without disassembly of the bolt itself. (tricky the first time) They clean up nicely in the cracks and protected areas. If the bore is leaded up I’ve had limited results with lead removers. Considerable improvement but not complete removal of the lead.
If you haven’t taken one apart and need practical advice feel free to PM. Just insure the mag pin comes out in the right direction. Few other tricks to removing and reinstalling the mag tube, bolt, sights, etc.., etc..
June 15, 2007
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Here are some more pics of the stock. Just put a little Howard’s F&W on it.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/winchester1890022.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/winchester1890021.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/59/winchester1890020.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/winchester1890023.jpg/
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
June 15, 2007
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After one pass with a brand new boresnake, I can tell the bore is going to be very good after a little scrubbing.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/winchester1890024.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/443/winchester1890025.jpg/
Here’s the markings on the front of the receiver.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/winchester1890030.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/winchester1890031.jpg/
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
I use Howard’s Feed & Wax as well. Great preserver of wood and beautiful when buffed out. I also use Old English dark scratch cover initially to even the stock out. It eliminates most of the lighter scratches and dings where there is a loss of finish.
Your bore looks pretty decent. I’ve observed over the years that the WRF 90’s usually have the best bores. Maybe because of the ammunition price. The short’s are usually the worst but there are always exceptions…
My WRF came with a Lyman tang and I recently added a 1" disk aperture for my over the hill eyes. Helps me acquire the target and focus quicker and easier. Thanks for the additional pics. That’s a nice rifle. Something to be excited about!
June 15, 2007
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I got into cleaning it a little more today. I loosened the take down screw to clean under it and the thing just came apart! It was pretty clean inside, most of the dirt is on the outside, like it has been working for a long time but not fired much. It is very tight and smooth. Barrel cleaned up nicely. It looks much better without all that caked on dirt.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/winchester1890033.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/winchester1890032.jpg/
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
June 15, 2007
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Ray said
You will enjoy Schwing’s book as it gives so much more detail, I have just given you a couple of bites at the cherry
Got it today. Still in plastic. Man, almost like getting an unfired vintage gun! Should I open it and read it? Cost me $200 shipped, might as well!
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/443/winchester1890035.jpg/
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
It’s a great book. Better open it and read! You might p/u the Madis Winchester sight book as well to build your library. A few mint copies have been selling on Ebay recently for $39.00-$46.00. Way more information on Winchester sights than you’ll ever need but it covers your rear sight and everyone you might encounter. Now go shoot it!!!
June 15, 2007
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I am reading the book now. I also have Madis’s "The Winchester Book". In that book Madis has a section on sights, and that should be sufficient for my needs. A couple days ago I bought another carton of 250 rounds of WRF ammo. Plan on shooting it soon, but it is snowing here in Texas now!
BTW, the rifle came from Kooskia, Idaho. Do you know anything about that town?
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
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