winchester model 55 takedown
Hello...I have a model 55 in 30wcf and it is a takedown model first year production. It has been refinished and looks brand new...could someone tell me the value?....thanks
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I do not have one of these in my collection and am a little uncertain how to break it down. I was told to pull the lever out from the side of the magazine and turn it counter clockwise. I tried this but it seems to be stuck and I don't want to break or bend anything. Is there something else I need to do to get the magazine to unscrew? Could be it has not been down for some time and need to let it soak in oil a little bit. 0 -
Hello Dave,
Most of the Model 55s were Take Downs (it was a standard feature from June 1924 through March 1931), with more than 16,000 of them made. A first year Model 55 will have a serial number < 1305. Of the three calibers offered, the 30 W.C.F. is by far the most common (approximately 63% of the total production, which amounts to nearly 13,000 out of the 20,580 made).
This is one of the Winchester Models that collectors insist on being 100% factory original to bring their wallets out. Being that your Model 55 has been refinished, that means that it is no longer factory original (and the value has been cut by at least 50% over an original specimen). The potential value of your rifle at this point depends upon the skill level of the person who refinished it. If all of the factory markings on the barrel, upper tang, and the on the receiver are still sharp, and the corners and radiuses on the frame are still sharp, that will help the value. If not, the value is cut by approximately 70%. You did not specifically mention the condition of the stocks... have they also been refinished?
In order to give you a reasonably close value estimate, I will need to see a series of very clear pictures of the gun (all of the various markings, and the receiver frame from several angles).
Lastly, I am conducting a survey of the Model 55 (for an in depth article I am writing for the WACA magazine), and I would greatly appreciate it if you can provide me with the complete serial number on your rifle. With the serial number, I can provide you with the exact day, month, and year that it was born.0 -
Thanks Bert I will take some pics....I gave $500 for the rifle...the stock is in percfect shape. It looks like it just left the factory. Who ever did the work was very good...shame they restored the rifle but at least they did a great job. 0 -
Was $500 to much to pay for a quality reststored 55? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ECO-DAVE
Was $500 to much to pay for a quality reststored 55?
No, at least not in my opinion. The Model 55 Take Down is a real classy Winchester lever-action rifle.0
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