Make: Winchester

Model: 53

Serial Number: 7416

Year of Manufacture: 1927

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester Center Fire (.44 W.C.F.)

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 22"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble No. 3 brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-top, "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The sights are not original to the rifle. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight wrist, straight comb and serrated steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings in the comb. There is a thin crack at the left-rear of the top tang. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows treatment with cold blue, scattered wear and erosion, with well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Remaining finish is mostly in the barrel with some finish in protected areas of the receiver and bolt. The receiver has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is residue from the stocks' new finish. There is infrequent minor erosion. There are tool marks around some screw heads. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Winchester's Model 53 is essentially the same as the 1892, but was offered with fewer special order features. Introduced in 1924, the standard model was chambered for .25-20 with a 22" round barrel, 6-shot button magazine, straight grip and shotgun-style steel buttplate. Special order features included chambering for .32-20 or .44-40 (or .218 Bee very late in production), takedown frame, pistol grip, set-trigger, crescent buttplate and deluxe wood.

This example was made in 1927 and is chambered for .44-40. The rifle has seen some use over the last 98 years, retaining a majority of its original metal finish, refinished stocks, a strong bore and good mechanics. The rifle would be a nice addition to a Winchester collection and should still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!