Make: Winchester

Model: 55

Serial Number: 11029

Year of Manufacture: 1929

Caliber: .30-30 W.C.F. (Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble No.2 beaded blade dovetailed to a base forged to the barrel; the bead is missing. The rear sight is a flat-top "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and serrated steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable in the belly toward the toe. There is thinning finish in the grip areas. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some scattered minor oxidation and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The receiver and barrel extension have mostly worn to white. There is finish wear on the barrel behind the rear sight with much more minor wear forward of the rear sight. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: By the early 1920’s, Winchester’s Model 94 rifle was losing sales, and in 1924 Winchester introduced an updated version of the Model 94 rifle dubbed the Model 55. The Winchester Model 55 was a rifle with a 24-inch barrel, a half-magazine that held three cartridges and was a takedown rifle which was convenient for storage and transport. It was initially chambered only in .30-30 Win., but .25-35 Win. and .32 Win. Spl. were added in 1926. For the first few years, the Model 55 carried its own set of serial numbers. Eventually, Winchester started producing Models 55 with a solid frame, using Model 94 receivers and serialized in the established Model 94 range. In 1932, with approximately 20,500 guns made, the Model 55 was discontinued to make way for the Winchester Model 64.

This rifle was made in 1929, with a takedown action and serialized in the Model 94 serial range. The rifle has honest wear consistent with its age, but it still retains a strong bore and mechanics. This rifle could be heading back out in the field to drop some deer but would also help round out a collection missing the Model 55. Please see our photos and good luck!