Make: Winchester

Model: 1906 Expert Grade

Serial Number: 526546

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1918 / ATF Classification: C&R

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

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action) Rifle, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. The front sight has a bend in it and surface oxidation. The rear sight is a U-notch screwed into the barrel.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The Expert Grade stocks are wood, the buttstock has a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear and the checkering is not well-defined near the edges. The furniture shows moderate wear with scattered pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. Most notable are two faint cracks starting from the lower right side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This furniture rates in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued With Nickeled Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is lightly worn. There is light erosion and oxidation throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. The bluing has mostly turned to patina or worn off. The nickel finish is very worn showing scuffs, scratches, and patina from the bare metal peeking through the blemishes. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition due to mechanical deficiencies.

Mechanics: The action DOES NOT function correctly. The pin holding the magazine tube in place is missing and the tube will slide out of position while cycling the rifle. 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: None

Our Assessment: This Half Nickel Expert Grade rifle shows the desirable two tone finish combination, with the nickel plated receiver frame and blued barrel and magazine components still visibly contrasted despite age and use. Approximately 25 percent of the original finish remains, giving the rifle the seasoned but still distinct appearance expected of an early production 1906 that retained its premium finish. The upgraded Expert Grade stock shaping remains evident, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point for collectors.

The action does not function correctly due to a missing magazine tube retaining pin. Without this pin, the magazine tube can slide out of position during cycling, which prevents proper operation. The rifle should not be fired until the correct pin is installed. Once repaired, the action should be expected to function normally.

As a 1918 Half Nickel Expert Grade, this rifle represents a sought after variation from Winchester's early rimfire pump action era. Restoring the magazine tube assembly to correct mechanical condition would significantly improve its functional status while preserving its value as a matching parts, period correct Expert Grade example.

Lannigan Collection