Winchester 1907 .351
I recently inherited a Winchester 1907 .351, after doing some brief research I found that there was a sporting model and a law enforcement model, this one is the law enforcement model. It is in mint condition and hardly looks used. However, it is nearly impossible to find ammunition for it and I've seen others on the internet that aren't bringing much money. Did I inherit a gun that is essentially good for nothing?
Thanks in advance!!
Thanks in advance!!
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If it is in truly factory original "Mint" condition, not to worry you'll have collectors standing in line, trying to get their hands on it. 0 -
I probably overstated the "mint" part...I feel better saying it is in excellent condition. 0 -
I bought a model 07 Winchester new in about 1955 and later used them in the US Marshals Service. The USMS guns were identical to the one I had bought except the USMS models had 10 round magazines and my personal one came with a five round magazine. What characteristics have you found that distinguish the law enforcement model from the sporting model? 0 -
The '07 Police Rifle had a beavertail forend and was fitted with a leather sling. Some had a knife bayonet. Made from 1937 to 1957. About 59,000 were made. 0 -
Xracer, The rifles we had in the USMS must have been the standard sporting version. I don't have much Winchester reference material but according to The NRA Book Of Small Arms by W.H.B. Smith, the police model was authorized in 1934 and discontinued in 1937. I would expect that to be a rare variation. 0 -
You can find ammunition but it's about $50 a box of 50 when you find it. A friend had one and he had some 20 round magazines which were made for some police. I have never seen any since. Most .351's go for $500 on up. I see one on gunbroker.com now. Nice gun, but way over built for the cartridge. A lot of steel in that gun. 0 -
Quixote,
No rifle or hand gun is completely useless. While they are not now as popular as they once were and ammo is expensive and hard to find, they are indeed collectable. The solution to the ammo problem is to handload, if you can find the empty cases after they have been ejected. The Model 1907 was developed from the Model 1905 in caliber .32 Winchester Self Loading. The law enforcement community want something a little more powerful and so the Model 1907 was developed. The rifle was made from 1907-1958 and about 59,000 were made. Durning WWI the U.S. Army bought a number of Model 1907 rifles for the Air Corps. These rifles will be marked U.S. and have the Ordnance Dept. "flameing bomb" on the receiver. These rifles are worth a substantial premium. Those marked with Police Dept. markings will bring a slight premium. If you are still not happy with the rifle, then put it up for auction and Iam sure that one of the collectors will take it off your hands.0
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