Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1903 Self Loading (U.S. Marked)

Serial Number: 96624

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1917-1918, C&R

Caliber: .22 Winchester Automatic

Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic with Tubular Buttstock Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.PAT.AUG.27.01.FEB.25.02.FEB.3.17.DEC.22.03””, “MOD. 1903.22 CAL.AUTOMATIC. / –WINCHESTER– / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester WP proofs. The top-rear of the receiver is marked through the finish with “U S” and a flaming bomb Ordnance mark.

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with Winchester’s 1902 patent mark dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel and screw-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding Marbles aperture sight installed, adjustable for elevation and with a locking arm for the folding hinge.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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 wear around the edges with some scattered light surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The receiver, nosecap, and trigger guard have some oxidation. There are a few scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are generally sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The charging handle is a plunger in the front of the forend. 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: None.

Our Assessment: When Winchester came out with their Model 1903 semi-automatic rifle, they chambered it in .22 Winchester Automatic. This was a smokeless powder round with a case slightly larger than a .22 Long cartridge to prevent the use of .22 rimfire ammunition loaded with black powder, which was still common at the time. Later on, the .22 Long Rifle cartridge would become prevalent, and the model 1903 would be usurped by the Model 63. This example’s US Ordnance markings indicate that it is one of 600 rifles purchased during WWI for use training Air Service troops in the use of light machine guns and automatic rifles in Aerial gunnery. About 500 of the rifles were sent to Europe while the remaining 100 remained stateside and all were sold after the end of the war. This rifle’s clean, bright bore and strong mechanics still make for a great shooter provided you can source some .22 Winchester Automatic ammunition. It will also make a great addition to a Winchester, US Military rifle, or military training rifle collection, especially given the scarcity of the US marked 1903s.