Make: Most likely originally made by Birmingham Small Arms, this rifle was altered and re-marked by Winchester

Model: Wingo

Serial Number: 22W38

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1967-1971

Caliber: .20 Caliber Shot

Action Type: Single Shot Lever Operated Falling Block

Barrel Length: 22”, Vent-Rib

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "Winchester BNP 5mm / New Haven Conn. USA Made in England."

Sights/Optics: The rib has provision for a bead, but none is present. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a mount holding a Weaver Qwik-Point red-dot sight installed (see Our Assessment).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic buttplate. The stocks show scattered nicks and scratches. There is more notable handling wear in the forend and the finish is thinning at most edges. There is a more notable scrape at the bottom of the grip on the right. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with well-defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the lever and rear of the receiver. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. Some worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but there is a solenoid mounted to the bottom of the barrel which must be activated to allow the shotgun to be fired. Without the solenoid activated, it will not fire. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This shotgun comes with the installed optic. There is a section of wire protruding from the front, this is the remainder of the control cord which allowed the solenoid to be activated by the Wingo machine. 

Our Assessment: The story of the Wingo is quite fascinating and a little sad. I'm sure many of us would love to go back to San Diego in 1971, walk into the hottest new joint in town, grab a cocktail in the lounge, and then go shoot flying ice-balls out of the air with a rimfire shotgun. For those who were in San Diego in 1971, this was a reality at Winchester's new entertainment location, Wingo!

Wingo was a venture by Winchester to create an entertainment business combining wing-shooting with an indoor recreational environment, featuring not only the titular shooting sport "Wingo", but also a cocktail lounge, snack bars, cafe, and observation areas. The game involved shooting computer-controlled hollow ice-balls launched from five ports, with competitors controlling aspects such as launch port, timing, and speed. Scoring was based on both accuracy and reaction speed.

Unfortunately, this innovative facility closed within a year, making these specially modified Winchester rifles exceptionally rare. Winchester customized British-made small-frame Martini rifles, likely from BSA, into single-shot, lever-operated smoothbore shotguns chambered in .20 caliber rimfire. Equipped with early Weaver Qwik-Point red-dot optics and safety solenoids for controlled firing, these firearms remain fascinating artifacts of shooting sports history.

This particular Wingo shotgun, Serial Number 22W38, shows typical handling wear but remains mechanically solid and retains a bright bore. Its rarity and unique story significantly enhance its collectible value.