Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 74

Serial Number: 19830

Year of Manufacture: 1939

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Rear Load Tube Magazine

Barrel Length: 24” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few minor compression marks. There is a minor crack on the toe which appears to be part of the grain where there is a “knot”. The stock has been refinished as evidenced by some lacquer that has unevenly settled around the trigger guard. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good Condition as Refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 /10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 80% of the metal finish. There is thinning on the barrel in splotches throughout. The trigger guard is in the white with some minor erosion. There are a few nicks on the left side of the barrel on a straight line. The end of the barrel and the charging handle show finish loss. The screws are sharp to tool marked with strong slots and the pins are unmarred. The markings are crisp and clear. There are a few small dings on the right side of the receiver. Overall, the rifle rates in about Very Good Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 74 Semi-Automatic .22 Rifle, launched in 1939, represents an innovative chapter in the evolution of self-loading rimfire rifles. Constructed with an 8.5” long steel tube receiver just 1” in diameter, the Model 74 integrated a blowback-operated bolt and a tubular magazine nestled within the buttstock, demonstrating a unique engineering approach for the era. One of its notable features was the ability to remove the bolt from the rear of the receiver, a design choice that significantly simplifies maintenance and cleaning from the rear, unlike most vintage semi-automatic rimfire rifles. Visually, the Model 74 is immediately recognizable due to the squared-off rear of its action, reminiscent of the "humpback" profile of the classic Browning Auto-5 shotgun. Additionally, the safety mechanism of the Model 74 is distinct—a flat, knurl-ended crossbolt meticulously dovetailed into the top of the receiver, enhancing both safety and ease of use. The rifle’s ergonomic design extends to its svelte charging handle, which is strategically positioned in a slot on the right rear of the action, directly above the trigger. This placement optimizes ease of operation for right-handed shooters, allowing them to quickly chamber a round with a simple wrist rotation and a hook of the forefinger. Originally released only in .22 Short, the Model 74 expanded its offerings in January 1940 with the addition of a .22 Long Rifle version. The .22 Short version was discontinued in 1952, and production of the Winchester Model 74 ceased altogether after 1955, with about 406,574 made during its production run.

This First Year Pre-War Winchester Model 74 Semi-Auto Rifle was made in 1939 and is in Very Good Condition. It features a 24” barrel, 80% of its original blued finish, an elegantly refinished one-piece smooth walnut stock (there’s a minor crack on the toe which appears to be part of the grain where there is a “knot”), and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion.