MODEL 1903 The first semi-automatic rifle produced by Winchester was designed by T. C. Johnson. You may remember he designed the Model 12 and finished that odd duck the model 1911 shotgun after JM Browning left Winchester for Europe. This is one of only 126000 produced between 1903 and 1932. Usually the ammo for this model is not produced consistently however I see it at times on Auction Arms or the many other firearm auctions. This rifle was offered in a take-down version only and was available in a 20" round barrel chambered for the .22 Winchester Automatic Rimfire. This ammunition is produced on an irregular basis by a few specialty manufacturers and tends to be expensive. The tubular magazine is located in the butt-stock and holds 1O cartridges. The rifle was available in two different configurations: 1) Standard Rifle, 20" round barrel, plain walnut straight-grip stock. Steel crescent butt was standard. 2) Deluxe Rifle, 20" round barrel, fancy checkered walnut pistol-grip stock with checkered forearm. If you are here,looking at this piece you are most likely a collector, such as I. Needless to say I have not shot this rifle. A few people who load and make their own bullets and have come up with this .22 w.a.r. I have no doubt of the mechanics of this rifle. I have a lot of .22’s I specifically I collect 18-19th century boys rifles. I do not have a lot that are in as good of condition as this rifle is. The receiver like most all 1903’s has lost most of it’s blueing but has taken on a nice antiqued patina. IT may have been case hardened and never blued. The wood is wonderful no chips or deep dents except for a hair-line surface crack with the grain for a few inches on the left side of the fore-arm. It is not very noticeable you will have to blow up the picture to see it. The forearm has a normal .010 side play. The butt stock is tight as is the crescent butt plate and the tube feeder which has the spring, strength and looks of a tube feed system 50 years newer. The take-down is flawless with all internal components in nice lubricated condition. I am pretty sure the firing pin is not brass because it has a safety which was only made on the later models. The earliest having no safety and a brass firing pin. The blueing on the barrel is in very good condition of over 90% and the wording of patents, manufacturer date and serial numbers are very clear and legible . Serial numbers match. Winchester was ahead of their time with model productions such as this while other companies were making single shot falling block rifles.
Ships to a C&R or better. Picked up by UPS, insured, goes ground usually 2 days unless you are on one of the Coasts. signature required.
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