Make: Winchester

Model: 06 Expert Grade

Serial Number: 566468

Year of Manufacture: 1919 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump-Action , Tubular 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 screwed into the barrel. 

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The expert grade furniture is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, expert grade contoured forend, and a checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear mainly located on the edges. The furniture shows moderate wear with scattered pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 12.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. This furniture rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its nonoriginal metal finish. There are scattered scratches, dings, and spots of light pitting. The screw heads range from unmarred to moderately tooled and retain strong slots. The markings are lightly faded, but legible with the exception of the Winchester proofs which are mostly removed. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: 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: Canvas gun bag, 1906 Expert Grade case study and photo.

Our Assessment: This rifle presents as a well preserved Expert Grade example that has approximately 87% of its new nickel finish. The nickel plating gives the rifle a distinctive appearance that aligns with known period refinishing practices. Importantly, the rifle retains matching numbered parts, preserving its mechanical integrity despite the refinish. The bore rates 6 out of 10, showing wear consistent with age and use, and the slide action functions correctly with the smooth pump stroke for which the Model 1906 is known.

Included with the rifle is a canvas takedown carry bag, a desirable accessory that reflects the practical intent of the Model 1906's takedown design. Also included is a research study on Winchester Model 1906 Expert Grade rifles by Larry Lannigan, featuring a photograph of his collection, along with a small informational plaque. This documentation adds meaningful historical and educational context, enhancing the rifle's appeal beyond the firearm itself.

The Expert Grade represents Winchester's upgraded slide action offering, featuring improved stock shaping and refined presentation over standard models. While this example is no longer in factory finish, the combination of matching numbers, correct mechanical function, period style refinish, original style accessories, and included scholarly material makes it an especially engaging collector piece. The Larry Lannigan study underscores the niche but serious collector interest in Expert Grade Model 1906 rifles and provides valuable provenance style context.