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Seems like most Winchester enthusiasts have their favorite model or models.
I thought it might be interesting and even educational for some of us newer collectors to hear your favorites and perhaps even why you prefer one model over others.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
January 26, 2011
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That’s a tough question, ask me next week and you might get a different answer. As of now I have interest in all the lever models, the slide action 22’s and the 1885 single shots……….steering clear of the bolt guns, shot guns, and semi autos. When I got started, I vowed to stay away from the 1894’s as I felt that a large percentage of the collectors were into these. As time went on, I got sucked into the ’94 vacuum and now focus on the short rifle variations of them. So I guess it’s safe to say that as of today, the 1894s have most of my attention but most of the other levers have a least one example in the safe as well. That’s what makes this so much fun, you can go a different direction and get excited all over again.
~Gary~
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If John Moses Browning invented and patented it, I am interested!
The Models 1885, 1886, 1887, 1890, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1897, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1906, and all of the siblings of those models!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
If there’s a sweeter rifle to carry and shoot than a Model 53 in .44 WCF I’ve yet to have it in my hands….
The 1885 High Wall in classic configuration with the crescent buttplate and a long barrel – due to its long range accuracy…..
and the 1892 carbine in 44 or 38 caliber simply because it is an easy to carry and fun to shoot gun and possibly inspired by the fact that I grew up with Westerns and in the West.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
For myself it would have to be the Model 64 Deer Rifle.Just something about the looks of this rifle, with its lines,checkering and sling eyelets that seems for me to embody all a deer rifle should be.
1894 takedown, 26″ oct, full magazine, crescent butt, close-coupled triggers, oiled stocks, slight scent of cleaner and gun smoke. At least that is the one I carry and hunt with in my dreams.
That is not an easy question for me to answer, as I really like all the Winchester lever action models, including the 1885. However, the model that I get the most pleasure out of looking at, handling and shooting is the Model 1873. Alas, budget constraints are such that I only own one, albeit in nice condition, shipped in 1889, chambered in 44 W.C.F. (Photo below). Having said all that, if I had to reduce my collection to just one Winchester, I would lean to my Model 1886 45-70, with full mag and full octagon barrel, shipped in 1890. Having said that, the Model 53 solid frame, chambered in 44 W.C.F. is a very light, fast handling and good looking little rifle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/Kirks-73.jpg
August 11, 2015
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I really like the Henry. Something about its looks reminds of the “High Chaparral” TV program I watched as a kid. I still remember Buck, Blue, Henry and Manolito pulling out their Henry’s whenever trouble arose. I also remember Victoria waiting back at the ranch!
Unfortunately, they also fall in the high dollar category but blessed enough to be able to own at least one.
Regards,
Thanks for your responses.
1873s initially caught my attention, closely followed by 1866s as I started studying Winchester rifles. Seems the more I learn the more models draw my interest. My initial plan in starting a collection was for acquiring a 1873 then 1866, but that was side tracked when I ran across a very nice 1886 Sporting Rifle, that I’m very pleased with.
So while 1873s and 66s are my favorites, any rifle made prior to 1898 that’s correct, in good condition, has features I desire and is a good value is fair game.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
My favorite is the early Pre-War Model 70 with the polished receiver–generally, those with serial numbers below 22,000. Standard rifles are great, but Super Grades are really special. And the rarer calibers are a real bonus.
What could be better than a Super Grade 375 H&H Magnum with a heavy (straight taper) barrel in 99% condition?
Unfortunately, there are so few of the early Pre-War rifles that are factory original and in high condition that collecting them is very difficult. Plus, prices are very high, even for the common calibers.
But that doesn’t diminish the dream of occasionally finding a fine example of “The Rifleman’s Rifle” no matter the price.
Got any you’d like to sell?
November 5, 2014
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I’ll have to second Vic’s vote…
The pre-war Model 70 with charcoal blued receiver that nearly looks the same as the rust blue finish on the barrel. Especially the type I-1 rifles (mostly below 5K serial number) and pre-war ramped straight taper barrel rifles from that era like the 375 MAGNUM. Those short heavy barrels just balance and point beautifully.
I personally like Standard Rifles, Carbines (the factory called them “Standard Grade – 20 inch barrel” – never “carbine”), and 1st and 2nd variation Target models of that era as much as the Super Grades.
The again I’ve seen so few REAL pre-war SG M70s that I’m sure I don’t know what I am missing!!!
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Louis & Vic. Here is my favorite. Roger’s pre war 375 with the heavy straight taper. Hope I got the photos to upload!
November 5, 2014
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Hi Rick-
That was always one of my favorites. Hope you get the picture thing to work!!!
I have the Standard Rifle version s/n 14458, and Vic had s/n 14451 (sold via Amoskeag Auctions in 2014). They really feel like something you’d want in your hands when a Grizzly charged, don’t they?
Cheers,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Try this again. Thanks for the help Lou. This rifle was pictured in the Rule book on pg. 78 & was in Roger’s collection. It is definitely my favorite/best M-70.
Rick
Lund,
That is a great Pre-War Model 70!
Tell us the story about this rifle. Was it pictured in the Rule book? Part of Roger’s collection?
Vic
It’s really difficult to argue with the Prewar editions of the M70. Yet for me, the Model 54 offers perhaps the best thrill. Nice guns, interesting, variety and still often AFFORDABLE. That as any semblance of the ‘prewar’ 70 rifles have just climbed too high to compete in my budget priorities. (All happy ones!)
A personal take 🙂
Here here! Yard sale last summer brought me a M54 with a m70 FW bbl in 308. Its first run in the woods brought home the venison. Pleasure to carry and shoot.
44
I have to admire the passion of you Mod 70 guys. I was all set to get one reading Jack O’Conner as a Kid in the 60’s , but some how never did. As I began to get some cash to buy guns my preference headed strongly towards the old levers especially mod 1892 and Mod 1894. In those first 20 years , on favorite Mod I would have said without hesitation Mod 92 , and probably would now as well , but would have to stop for a minute and have to think about it. I have had good experience with all the pre 1900 Winchester lever rifle Models, and some later derivative models , except dont have an 1866
I always wanted an 1866 , I was bidding on one recently SRC at auction , and wish I had got it . Although price was getting up there it was an outstanding original in VG cond
I can see how someone initially buys a model, get infatuated with that model and focus on it , as there is a lot to delve into on each model that wont let a collector get bored
As I was always interested in the black powder cartridges , I was curious about other Models that chambered them as well , so branched out a bit
It is funny that as a Kid I had an unnatural familiarity with all Old Winchester lever models , and often a feeling of deja vu , as if I had lived back in the 1880’s
non lever models never had the must have appeal that the levers had for me
Phil
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