Make: Winchester

Model: 1906 Expert Grade

Serial Number: 651154

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1920 / 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 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 heavy wear, the checkering is not well-defined and the screw heads fixing it to the stock show oxidation. The furniture shows light to moderate wear with a few pressure dings and scuffs. Most notable is a crack running from the left side of the upper tang. Additionally, there are some nicks taken out of the bottom of the semi-pistol grip and ding on the left side. 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 Nickel Receiver

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The bluing shows scattered wear and portions have turned to patina. The nickel finish is fairly strong showing scuffs and scratches, with a small spot of erosion on the left side of the receiver. The screw heads are lightly tooled and retain strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Good-plus condition.

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: None

Our Assessment: This is a very attractive Half Nickel Expert Grade example that still shows strong character and a pleasing amount of original finish. The nickel plated receiver retains a bright, eye-catching appearance, and the blued barrel and magazine components retain meaningful coverage for a rifle of this age. Overall, roughly 65 percent of the original finish remains, which is quite desirable on a Model 1906 with this configuration. The enhanced Expert Grade furniture shows the refined stock shaping that sets these rifles apart from standard production.

As a 1920 production Half Nickel Expert Grade, this rifle represents a scarce and sought after variation from Winchester's golden era of small bore sporting arms. These enhanced and plated rifles were special order items in their day, and surviving examples with strong finish, matching parts, and correct function are increasingly difficult to find.

Lannigan Collection