Make: Winchester, Made in Canada

Model: 490

Serial Number: J040841* (Asterisk means this rifle was repaired after the 1976 recall was completed)

Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / MADE IN CANADA”, “MODEL 490 CAL. 22 L.R. ONLY / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The left side of the receiver is marked “J040841*”. The right side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / NEW HAVEN. CONN.”.

Barrel Length: 22” Round

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded, beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch with a white triangle aim reference, fine adjustable for elevation. The receiver is scope grooved.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a Winchester checkered hard rubber buttplate. There is a notable compression mark on the left and right side of the forend. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few minor compression marks. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor operation wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent Condition.

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, and Accessories: This rifle comes with one blued 5-round magazine in Excellent Condition.

Our Assessment: Winchester purchased the Cooey rifle factory in Cobourg, Ontario in 1961, and produced, among other rifles, the Model 490 there from 1975-1976 with about 60,000 made. Winchester closed the entire Cooey plant in 1979. The Model 490 remains a scarce and intriguing link to Winchester’s brief foray into semi-automatic rimfire production north of the border.

This Made In Canada Winchester Model 490 Semi-Auto Rifle was made between 1975-1976 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 22” barrel, 98% of its crisp, original blued finish, an elegant one-piece checkered walnut stock, a blued 5-round mag, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. The asterisk after the serial number denotes it was repaired after the 1976 recall was completed. This beauty should make an absolute pleasure to shoot for any rimfire enthusiast, or would be a fine addition to a Winchester collection.