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My model 58 has a no. 1 stamped on receiver to the right of the bolt (see photo). I saw one with the no. 3 in the same place. I thought perhaps it was an assembly no. Therefore I searched for a corresponding no. on the stock and the bolt. Any thoughts or comments? Don
Probably just a fitters mark. That is a very nice M58. Most are good for boat paddles. Mine is locked up so I cannot say if mine has any markings. If you shoot it, please post your results. I have never fired mine, but have fired my M1904, pretty much the same, and it is very accurate. Thanks, Big Larry
Hi Don,
It is not an assembly number, it is an inspection number applied by the individual Winchester inspector. Many of the Winchester bolt action rifles have an inspection stamp in that location. The Winchester inspectors were supplied number stamps to identify the individual inspector pre-WWII and letter stamps commencing about 1938.
You have a nice looking Model 58, thanks for posting the pictures. I did notice what appears to be a small crack at the bottom of your chamber above the extractor cut that you may want to examine a bit more closely.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Thanks for the enlightenment! I knew it wasn’t a serial no. (but I would really have something if it was). This was the first 58 I had ever seen or run across and now realize that there isn’t that many around. Don
They are very scarce. Especially nice ones with a serviceable bore and no stock cracks. Big Larry
HI, Larry
Thought I would tell you the other side has a crack in the stock which the former owner glued. The crack goes from front back to the bolt. However the bore is beautiful. Oh, well. Don
I bought mine online a few years ago. It is about an 85% rifle with a minty bore. I paid big bucks to get it as it was the nicest one I had ever seen. Been wanting to shoot it, but I have many other guns I need to shoot as well. Jay, you are quite correct about boat paddles. Almost all the old Boys Rifles are just that. I have a few lesser grade Boys Rifles in my collection as I have never been able to upgrade. I think the hardest one to find in real nice shape is the Thumb Trigger. Big Larry
Big Larry said
They are very scarce. Especially nice ones with a serviceable bore and no stock cracks. Big Larry
Naturally, money wasn’t being wasted on good wood for boy’s rifles. What was used–was it (sweet)gum?
clarence said
Naturally, money wasn’t being wasted on good wood for boy’s rifles. What was used–was it (sweet)gum?
Yes, correct. Most of them had gum wood and they would also occasionally use a blem piece of walnut with knots or other issues that was not suitable for a centerfire rifle. Nothing wasted at Winchester (except their records).
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
That’s what I was saying. That is some crack. No way to replace that one.
I too have some beater boys rifles, but no cracks. Even with nice blue, I would
not touch one with a cracked stock.
Keep that one until you find a nicer one, or one with a better stock. That rifle is worth saving. Big Larry
Larry Reynolds said
That is some crack. No way to replace that one.
Unfortunate the do-it-yourself repair job was made, as an experienced stock maker could probably have made it virtually disappear; far more difficult after glue has been applied to crack. I know one who made the damage to a shattered wrist “like it never happened.”
On the other hand, on a boy’s rifle, I don’t think it’s a great disaster; what’s really surprising is that it’s survived as well as it has.
Good woodworkers are very rare. I had a Springfield 1922 30 cal. target rifle many years ago that had about 4″ cut off the stock and a rubber pad added. Now anyone familiar with this type rifle, knows how rare they are. I had an apprentice at a furniture repair shop put a piece of matching walnut on the stock, fit it, and make it have the original overhang so I could fit an original buttplate for it. He did such a good job, you could not tell the stock had been repaired. I sold the rifle, wish I hadn’t, as they only made 79 of them. I sold it to Richard Ellis who was in his heyday at the time. BTW, the furniture man only charged me $40. Big Larry
Hey Larry how much is that $40 in today’s money? ?
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
Vince said
Hey Larry how much is that $40 in today’s money? ?
I don’t know, but that rifle cost me $600 + the $40, and I sold it for $10,000 cash. Mr. Ellis then sold it for $20,000. Big Larry
I think the gum wood cracked as it dried out after the finish wore off.
I’ve got a 1902 that I’m trying to put back together. Its an early one with the metal butt plate.
I’ve found hide glue works best as it pulls the wood together as it dries.
Jay
cranky2 said
I think the gum wood cracked as it dried out after the finish wore off.I’ve got a 1902 that I’m trying to put back together. Its an early one with the metal butt plate.
I’ve found hide glue works best as it pulls the wood together as it dries.
Jay
I have two M1902’s. One early and one 02-A late rifle in 22 LR. That was the last one to complete my Winchester 22 rifle collection. When you get done with the M1902, try to find a M1900. One of the hardest to find Winchester 22’s there is. Much to my dismay, I had to settle for a beater, but it is one of the very early rifles made in 1900. Good luck with your 1902 project. Big Larry
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