Make: Winchester

Model: 1907 Self-Loading Rifle

Serial Number: 51144 (The upper and lower receiver are matching)

Year of Manufacture: 1948-1957 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .351 Winchester Self-Loading

Action Type: Semi automatic, direct blowback, detachable box magazine

Barrel Length: 20"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood furniture has a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, smooth forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. There is a sling swivel mounted in the belly, the forend cap has a hole for a swivel with none present. There is moderate wear present with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 14" from the face of the trigger to the rear of the butt. Most notable are two cracks on the left side of the forend, a crack running from the upper tang, and another another running from the lower right side of the receiver. Overall the furniture is in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is faint erosion in the bore towards the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish shows moderate wear with scratches, freckling, and other blemishes throughout. Most notable is oxidation on the right side of the receiver, and two dings on the left side. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: This rifle is equipped with a finger hook on the operating sleeve and larger magazine release, both introduced in 1948. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 5rd magazine

Our Assessment: This is a solid postwar example of Winchester's powerful early semi automatic sporting rifle, retaining approximately 75% of its original finish. The metal surfaces show a balanced mix of remaining blue and honest wear consistent with age and use, and the rifle retains matching serialized parts, an important point of originality for the Model 1907. The stock and fore end present well, maintaining the robust, purposeful appearance that defines these rifles.

Mechanically, the rifle is strong. The bore rates 8.5 out of 10 with bright steel and well defined rifling, indicating light internal wear. The action functions correctly, cycling smoothly with the heavy operating system designed to handle the .351 Self Loading cartridge. This example is equipped with the finger hook on the operating sleeve and the enlarged magazine release, both features introduced in 1948 to improve handling and control.

Historically, the Model 1907 occupies a unique place in American firearms development as one of the earliest successful high power semi automatic rifles. Chambered in .351 S.L., it was used not only for sporting purposes but also by law enforcement agencies during the mid twentieth century. Post 1948 rifles like this one reflect Winchester's refinement of the design, incorporating ergonomic improvements while retaining the rugged operating system that made the model respected for reliability and power.

As a postwar Model 1907 with correct features, matching numbers, strong bore condition, and functional action, this rifle stands as a desirable and historically significant example of Winchester's early self loading rifle lineage.