Make: Winchester

Model:55 Rimfire

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1958-1961

Caliber: .22 Short / Long / Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Shot, Bottom Auto-Eject, Open-Bolt, Fixed Firing Pin, Top Loading, Rimfire Rifle.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL-55-WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / MADE IN U.S.A.-22S. L.OR L.R.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with “WP” proofs. The top of the safety is marked “S”.

Barrel Length: 21.5”

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 stocks are two piece smooth walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered Winchester composite buttplate, and cutout in the bottom for the bottom ejection. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few small compressions on the belly and bottom of the forend. Overall the stock rates in Excellent condition. 

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: This rifle retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows faint operation wear. There are some minor scuffs on the right side of the receiver. There is sparse intermittent infrequent oxidation on the barrel. There is some finish loss on the charging handle. The screw heads range from tool marked but retain strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle rates in Excellent condition as C&R. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 55 Single Shot Rimfire Rifle is a notable firearm primarily for its unique action and production period. Introduced in 1958 and manufactured only until 1961, this rifle is part of Winchester's storied line of firearms. It was chambered for the .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges, making it versatile for small game hunting and target shooting. The Model 55 featured an automatic ejection system that expelled spent cartridges when the bolt was opened, a sophisticated feature for a rimfire rifle at the time. Supposedly youngsters wanted a semi-automatic rifle and parents thought single shots were safer, so Winchester met the demand in the middle and produced this unique action, which ultimately led to a flop in sales and its short production run. Its design was straightforward with a smooth, wooden stock and a blued finish on the metal parts. Despite its short production run, the Winchester Model 55 holds a special place among rimfire rifles for its engineering and the quality of its construction. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek it out for its historical significance and its unique place in the evolution of Winchester rifles.