Make: Winchester

Model: 1890

Serial Number: 140148

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1902 (C&R Eligible)

Caliber: .22 Winchester Rimfire (.22 WRF)

Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “22 W.R.F.” The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” The receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / MOD. 1890” with patent dates “PAT. JUNE 26. 88. DEC. 6. 92.” The serial number “140148” is stamped on the lower tang.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch sight dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece walnut set with a grooved slide handle and a straight grip stock with a crescent steel buttplate. The wood has scattered nicks, scratches, and areas of finish wear. There are no visible cracks or structural concerns. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle has a fixed tubular magazine beneath the barrel. The magazine tube shows signs of use but is functional and in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark, the rifling is worn. There is heavy visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning, patina, and scattered oxidation, particularly on the barrel and receiver. The metal has turned brown from handling and oil. There are areas of pitting, handling marks, and some spots of surface rust. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are mostly legible but show wear from handling and age. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1890 is an iconic slide-action rifle, first introduced in the late 19th century and produced well into the 20th century. It was the first repeating rifle designed for .22 rimfire cartridges and quickly became a favorite among shooters for its reliability, accuracy, and quality craftsmanship.

This particular example, chambered in .22 WRF, is one of the more desirable configurations, as this cartridge was developed to offer greater power and performance over the standard .22 Long Rifle of the era. The rifle has seen its share of use over the past century, showing wear consistent with age but retaining its mechanical functionality.

For collectors, this rifle represents a great opportunity to own a piece of Winchester history. It would make a solid addition to any collection or could still serve as a fun and nostalgic shooter for those who appreciate vintage firearms.