Make: Winchester

Model: 55

Serial Number: 6170

Year of Manufacture: 192

Caliber: .25-35 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle

Barrel Length: 24 1/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flat top u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to 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 buttplate. There are a few minor compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has defined serration, some light scattered oxidation, and corrosion concentrated at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. 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 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear in the tangs and barrel extension. There is wear on the bottom of the barrel from disassembly. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. It takes down properly, there is no play between the barrel and receiver when assembled. This rifle has a half-cock safety and its lever safety functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

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. In 1930, 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 1927, in the earlier years with a takedown action and serialized in the Model 55 serial range. It is chambered for .25-35 cartridge which, like the .30-30 Winchester cartridge of 1895, is part of a family of cartridges developed for the 1894 which took advantage of smokeless powder for improved performance. The .25-35 is three times more powerful than .25-20 and was excellent for close range deer hunting due to its minimal recoil, speed, and flat trajectory. The rifle looks like it has seen some use in the field but retains about 90% of its original metal finish, a pristine bore and strong mechanics. This should still make for a good hunting rifle, but will also be a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the Model 55.