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Winchester 1890

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Introduction | I.Models | II.Variations | III.Condition  | 1890 Models | More Pictures | History of Winchester Rifles

Which Model of Rifle?

Step 1: Determine the Model of firearm

There are 3 Models with several variations of the models.  The Models are separated primarily by date of manufacture.  Within the variations, the standard rifle had a plain walnut straight stock, with a crescent buttplate, and a 12 groove slide handle.  The Deluxe variety has a checkered stock and may have a pistol grip and/or other added features.  

Use the Key to determine which gun you have.  Each level of the key has TWO choices.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the path through the key to determine your rifle type.  Then confirm with the overall descriptions.  These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value of your gun.

If you need a diagram of parts for the 1890, we do offer it for sale in our online store for a minimal fee.  Click Here for more information

Easy Key:

a. My gun has an octagon barrel.  ---  Go to section b

a'. My gun does not have an Octagon barrel.  You either do not have an 1890 Winchester, a very late production rifle, or you have a replacement barrel of some type.  The value will be impacted.  If you still feel that your gun is an 1890 Winchester,--- Go to section  b.

b. Number on gun is below 15,552, receiver is solid framed (no take down screw), and metal on receiver is Case Hardened ---  Go to section c

Solid Framed Receiver	Case Hardened Receiver

b'. Number on gun is ABOVE 15,552, receiver is take-down variety with a take down screw on the left side, and metal on receiver is either Case Hardened or Blued  ---   Go to section d

b. I can't tell  ---   Go to section f

c. Gun Has a solid frame, is Case Hardened, with a fixed rear sight.
You have a First Model.  Check to be sure that it also has concealed locking lugs.  The serial number should be below 15,552.     Go to section Step 2

Fixed Rear sight Locking lugs on bottom of receiver

d.  Your Serial Number is between 15,552 and 325,251  and there is NO distinctive cut on the front top of the receiver for the breech bolt. Go to section e     
 

d'. Your serial number is Greater than 325,251 and there is a distinctive cut on the front top of the receiver to allow the breech bolt to lock externally.  The receiver and entire gun is blued throughout.  You have a Third Model 1890 Winchester.  Check to be sure the serial number is between 325,251 and 853,000 on both the lower tang and the bottom front of the receiver.  Go to section Step 2

e. Your Serial Number is between 15,553 and 112,970  and there is NO distinctive cut on the front top of the receiver for the breech bolt and the receiver is case hardened.  You have a Second Model, Case Hardened Version of the 1890 Winchester.  The serial number should be  only the lower tang until 232,328, and thereafter on both the receiver and lower tang.  Go to section Step 2

e'.  Your Serial Number is between 112,971  and 325250.  There is NO distinctive cut on the front top of the receiver for the breech bolt and the receiver is Blued.  You have a Second Model, Blued Frame Version of the 1890 Winchester.  The serial number should be between 112,971 and 325,250 with the number on both the receiver and lower tang.  Go to section Step 2

f. Look at the serial Number on the gun.  Determine the model of your gun by serial number.
     1-15,552 :  You have a First Model, number on lower tang only.  Go to section Step 2
     15,553-112,970:  You have a Second Model Takedown, number on lower tang only  Go to section Step 2
     112,971-232,328:  You have a Second Model Blued Frame Version, number on lower tang only.  Go to section Step 2
    232,329-325,250:  You have a Second Model Blued Frame Version, number on lower tang and bottom front of receiver.   Go to section Step 2
     325,251-853,000: You have a Third Model, numbers on tang and bottom front of receiver.   Go to section Step 2

Continue to Step 2 and the Variations of Models

Introduction | I.Models | II.Variations | III.Condition  | 1890 Models | More Pictures | History of Winchester Rifles