Make: Winchester

Model: 50

Serial Number: 189527

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4”

Action Type: Floating-Chamber Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Barrel Length: 28"

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the barrel. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated black rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15" from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 13 3/4" to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and remains fairly supple, it is generally proud to the wood. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is some faint oxidation on the lifter. The action shows light operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a hole in the left of the receiver for disassembly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this item is a photocopy of a hand-written letter from Paul Walker Sr. discussing his son’s firearms and shooting experiences. We thank Mr. Walker Sr. for trusting us to help with his son’s collection.

Our Assessment: The model 50 was introduced by Winchester in 1954 and was Winchester's first commercially successful autoloading shotgun. Other manufacturers had been selling autoloaders since the earliest years of the 20th century, mostly based on John Browning's Auto-5 design, a design which Winchester had turned down. With the help of David "Carbine" Williams, Winchester incorporated Williams' floating-chamber design which had been used successfully on the Service Model Ace. This would go on to be used in a few other models by Winchester, while the model 50 was discontinued in 1961, to be replaced with more modern designs using new lightweight alloys and other materials. This example is in Very Good-plus condition with a great bore and strong mechanics. It is slightly rear-heavy which may feel odd at first, but results in a very fast-handling shotgun as there is less weight being moved out toward the muzzle. If you're looking for a vintage autoloader for the clay range or for hunting, this old Winchester has a lot more service left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!