Make: Winchester

Model: 1905

Serial Number: 16597

Year of Manufacture: 1907

Caliber: .32 Winchester Self Loading (.32 W.S.L.)

Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic Takedown with 5-Round Removable Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / SELF LOADING, MODEL 1905.” with patent dates and “-32 CAL.”. There are Winchester proofs at the rear of the barrel and top of the receiver. The serial number is marked on the left receiver flat at the bottom-rear and on the trigger assembly just below. The top tang is marked “MOD – 1905 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”.

Barrel Length: 22” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble’s No. 2 beaded blade dovetailed to a base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding invertible v/u notch sight with white diamond aim reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is mounted with an adjustable aperture sight with a large disk.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth black hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have scratches, nicks, and scuffs. There is a crack on both sides of the forend at the receiver. The bottom of the buttstock has been broken away from the stock and then repaired back to the stock. The crack in the belly matches with the broken portion of the buttplate where there is a large chunk missing. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has heavy wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fair Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished. The receiver and barrel show refinished cold blue, whereas the bottom metal appears original.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray to dark with well defined rifling. There is minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The receiver and barrel show refinished cold blue, whereas the bottom metal appears original. There are some minor nicks, scuffs, and scratches with thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good Condition as Refinished. 

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a vintage though not factory original 5-round box magazine that remains unmarked and with most of the bluing having worn away. 

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1905 self-loader was a blowback-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced from 1905-1920, with just over 29,000 made. As the centerfire successor to the rimfire Model 1903, it was chambered in .32 WSL and .35 WSL, with the .32 WSL cartridge designed for short-range hunting of smaller game like foxes and coyotes.

This Winchester Model 1905 .32 WSL Self-Loading Semi-Auto Rifle was made in 1907 and is in Good Condition as Refinished. It features a 22” barrel, 70% of its retouched blued finish (the receiver and barrel show refinished cold blue, whereas the bottom metal appears original), a tang mounted adjustable aperture sight, two-piece smooth walnut stocks (there’s cracking to the forend that is endemic of these models, a repair reconnecting the bottom of the buttstock back to the stock, and a crack in the belly that matches with the broken portion of the buttplate where there is a large chunk missing), and a gray to dark bore with well defined rifling and minor erosion. Collectible and historically significant, the Model 1905 is a great addition for any Winchester collection.