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I’ve been either cooped up in the shop or out trying to spread what little water we have for irrigation in this severe drought we’re faced with this spring. I haven’t had much of a chance to get any shooting in lately, but had a break in the action yesterday and got to spend some quality time with some interesting model 55’s.
November 7, 2015
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Good show, Mark! Some very interesting examples of an interesting variant of the beloved 1894. Opening (camera) shots reminded me on Whittington Center in Raton. I’ve had mule deer hang out and watch me shoot and more than once they’ve caused immediate ceasefires when they wander across a live firing range. One doe and fawn made themselves comfortable behind the berm of the PPC range with 100 competitors firing on the other side. Gave the tower officer something to watch between relays.
Mike
Mark,
Another great video, and thank you very much for the plug on the Model 55 research survey.
Speaking of the survey, it is currently at 1,371 identified Model 55 rifles. Your Set trigger rifle is still just (1) of (2) that have been found thus far. That is compared to (5) factory engraved Model 55 rifles, and (53) with factory pistol grip butt stocks.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Mark, As always, a fun and enjoyable episode. So sorry to hear of the pending drought problems out west, though. That does not bode well for the fire situation, as it was in last year, etc. Can’t carry enough water in my pockets to help out, I am afraid.
Tim
November 7, 2015
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Bert-
Any 32-40 or 38-55 specimens show up in your survey?
Mike
TXGunNut said
Bert-Any 32-40 or 38-55 specimens show up in your survey?
Mike
Mike,
(6) thus far in 38-55, none (yet) in 32-40. I suspect that none were ever made in the 32-40 cartridge, as the 32 W.S. was the choice for those who preferred the .32 caliber round.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 3, 2020
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Hi Mark
Enjoyed the video ! So many things to learn about Winchesters, keep em coming we all like them
BASC member
Thanks guys. And thanks for the concern about the drought, Tim. We had a very mild winter, so the mule deer population seems to be healthy, but the water situation is critical. We already had a 1,200 acre wildfire nearby yesterday and the feed situation is going to be critical. For the first time in my lifetime the irrigation reservoirs didn’t fill over the winter and may dry up entirely this summer. Doesn’t bode well for the pan-sized trout that hang out in the reservoirs here at the ranch.
Mark
Chuck said
Really big pans!!!! Do you toss em back?
It all depends if we’re hungry for a fish fry.
The one in the picture went back in the pond because this lady and her husband are very serious about fishing and already had a freezer full of salmon and steelhead. I usually find a spot for them in my smoker. Mark
Enjoyable video.Not a lot of information out there on the Model 55,Model 64,Model 53 or Model 65.Great to get information on them and see what they can do do.Checked out your Model 53 video as well.
Have a solid frame Model 55 and Model 53 and a number of Model 64 rifles.
28 gauge said
Enjoyable video.Not a lot of information out there on the Model 55,Model 64,Model 53 or Model 65.Great to get information on them and see what they can do do.Checked out your Model 53 video as well.
Have a solid frame Model 55 and Model 53 and a number of Model 64 rifles.
Glad you liked it. That model 53 episode was one the first I did because I just love shooting those little rifles. I’m planning to do a model 64 episode soon if I can come up with some Zipper ammo without having to take out a bank loan. The model 65 episode will have to wait for a while until I can do a restoration on our basket case 32 WCF. You can get a glimpse of it in our rust removal episode from earlier this year. As you can tell, we’re kind of partial to those models around here as well. Mark
Yes very enjoyable videos.Mark.Recently had my Model 53 .25-20 to the range and was very happy and a bit surprised at how accurate the rifle was.Shooting free hand at 50 yards I was able to keep all twenty shots in an eight inch circle.One three shot group was all in the red two inch bullseye.WooHoo LOL Was using IMR 4198 and Hornady 60 grain bullets.
Only did that bullseye trick one time before shooting free hand,using a Winchester Model 64 Deer Rifle .30WCF.Really looking forward to you Model 64 video.The Model 64 Deer Rifles are my favourite rifles.Do not have a Zipper rifle,but do have a box of Zipper ammunition.Its too bad you were not closer ,as you would be welcome to use it for a video.
I really drooled over that Model 53 .44-40 solid frame rifle.Hope I did not get it too rusty through the computer screen.LOL
Could of purchased a Model 65 several years ago ,but did not do so.So many Winchesters and so little money.In hindsight, I probably should of bought that Model 65.
Mark –
Another great video from you – fantastic. I sure like your spectacular setting. I like M55’s too. I’ve only owned two in my life – and still have them both. I like them better than the M64.
It’s really fun to see that six .38-55’s have shown up for Bert’s survey. Having one of those would be something. Actually, having all six! 
Keep up the great videos!
November 7, 2015
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Quite honestly Mark, with the scenery you use for backdrops you and your bride could lean a few rifles against your table and play checkers for 15 minutes and I’d watch it. These special rifles you feature are just icing on the cake. I’ve often wondered if people who live seeing beautiful scenery every day actually see it the way us city folk and flatlanders do. When I visit Raton or Wyoming I schedule an hour or more of just sitting and looking at the scenery. OTOH I do want to see a segment with your casting furnace, been curious about it since I first glimpsed it in your shop.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Quite honestly Mark, with the scenery you use for backdrops you and your bride could lean a few rifles against your table and play checkers for 15 minutes and I’d watch it. These special rifles you feature are just icing on the cake. I’ve often wondered if people who live seeing beautiful scenery every day actually see it the way us city folk and flatlanders do. When I visit Raton or Wyoming I schedule an hour or more of just sitting and looking at the scenery. OTOH I do want to see a segment with your casting furnace, been curious about it since I first glimpsed it in your shop.
Mike
Thanks Mike. My wife and I have had that conversation while taking walks on the ranch. It’s really easy to take the scenery for granted, being focused on the work and worry of everyday life, but we have to remind each other at times just how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place and to live the lifestyle that we do.
I promise to get back to casting and loading for the 38-72 WCF that I teased in an earlier episode, but I’m just swamped right now with ranch work, trying to get my gunsmithing shop set up and finishing the “Heavy 76” project. On top of that, I coach our local high school track and field team and we’re right in the middle of our season. I’m having a devil of a time finding the time to do any filming, but I’m hoping that will change soon.
Making these videos takes a lot more time and expense than I had imagined, especially with today’s ammo prices. I really have a good time making them and it makes it worth while to hear people enjoy them. Many thanks to you and everybody who watches and comments on them. Mark
Need some info on my 55
I joined this site after seeing this post. I am in posession of a Model 55 that belongd to my Grandad. It is chambered for .32 WS, serial no. 1079122. I would like to learn more about the piece. Can anyone give me an idea of when it was made? My Grandad kept it on the back porch of the farm so it isn’t in the best of shape. He carved 2 dates into the stock, presumably the dates he shot his first deer with it in November and December 1937. He was a German immigrant who was a match shooter so he had it fitted with an aperature site. If my memory serves me correctly, he shot his last deer with it in November 1970, an 8 point whitetail.
Thanks in advance for any insights on this firearm, Buster, the Old Reel Collector
Hello there,
I will assume that it is a Solid frame rifle, as it was manufactured in late November, 1931. Is it possible that the carved date is actually “1931” versus “1937”. If possible, post a link to some pictures of the rifle, or send them directly to me.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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