Make: Winchester

Model: 75 Sporting

Serial Number: 50891

Year of Manufacture: 1949

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action Rimfire Rifle Fed by Detachable Box Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb, serrated steel shotgun-style buttplate, and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered finish wear, most notable at the heel, with well defined serrations. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly in finish wear on the bottom metal and handling wear on the bolt knob. There are some scattered 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 is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: A single 5-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: Made as a low-cost alternative to the Model 52, whose production had become increasingly expensive and Winchester had more issues with marketing it widely, the Model 75 was portrayed as a beginner's rifle, a simple plinker for the neophyte. Winchester used the Model 69 action as a base, but otherwise, the 75 was a new creation that, despite being made at a lower cost, did not skimp on quality. The stock was very comfortable, the barrel was lead-lapped for smoothness, and the bolt tolerances were very tight. The 75 was made from 1938 to 1958 with a total of just under 90,000—this example was made specifically in 1949. They were truly simple, well made, reliable rifles—better than the Model 69 surely, but by virtue of its mandate, not quite up to par with the 52.

While most of the 75 Models were produced as target rifles, there were some produced in a Sporting configuration with checkered stocks and sporting-style sights. This is one such example which shows light wear consistent with responsible use over the last 75 years. These Sporting models are quite desirable among collectors, but this should still prove to be a great plinker for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!