winchester model 50

James1873

James1873

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
109   0   0
Location
McLennan, Alberta
i have a model 50 12 gauge. probably 8/10 condition. has a cutts compensator with a spreader. anyone know an approx value? and why did they stop making them? was there something wrong with them? seems high quality too me.
 
Winchester stopped making them because with all the machined parts the cost of production was too high. They are an excellent firearm. Values vary depending on configuration but if you have one keep it. At least I would.
 
They always need a new action spring and re timing. This is because they where hunted hard and seen little maintenance over 50 to 60 years. Wolf sells replacement springs and there is lots of I net info on changing them and timing the action. Keep the floating chamber clean and they are good for another 60 years. I love mine. The alloy framed Feather model is a little more prone to receiver wear with HEAVY loads as was the model 59. A steel framed 50 is very hard to wear out. If it can be done.
Darryl
 
I've got two. One handed down from my dad, who bought it new back in the day. And one I picked up as a "spare" for parts and rough use.

Great gun. They were just too expensive for the market to bear at the time.

The "spare" I got for $200 last fall at an online auction. It garnered zero interest so I got it cheap. If its in good working order, they should go for "more than that" - IMHO, but they generally speaking don't.

I find it to be the softest on my shoulder of all my 12 gauges. The floating chamber action goes a long way to reducing recoil - more so than even a gas gun.

The cuts compensator and spreader probably won't add value to yours - that's an after the fact modification, so eliminates any potential collector value. But as a working gun? These are hard to beat.
 
Is yours the standard field gun? Some Skeet grade target models 50 had the Cutts installed. That adds a little for value. Your Cutts equipped gun with the Spreader choke will make a decent grouse gun. Find a Modified tube and hunt ducks if you want. I hunted Winchester Expert steel shot through a Cutts equipped model 50 for two years with no issues. My current Model 50 is equipped with a Poly Choke.

Darryl
 
I have a nice old 50. They have a distinct "bark" to them. I love the way they feel, swing and are built. They can be tricky to fiddle with, but there are some good articles on youtube, etc..
 
madtrapper143 said:
Is yours the standard field gun? Some Skeet grade target models 50 had the Cutts installed. That adds a little for value. Your Cutts equipped gun with the Spreader choke will make a decent grouse gun. Find a Modified tube and hunt ducks if you want. I hunted Winchester Expert steel shot through a Cutts equipped model 50 for two years with no issues. My current Model 50 is equipped with a Poly Choke.

Darryl
Click to expand...

I didn't realize some came from the factory with the Cutts compensator...

There might be a 3rd model 50 in my future.
 
Most Model 50 Skeets were choked WS1. I once owned a model 50 Skeet with a Cutts factory installed. (no choke marking on the barrel) They are out there. As much as that gun was shot all it needed was a new action spring and a timing. Ran perfectly after that. Maybe Struff will be along he is the Winchester shotgun guru.

Darryl
 
Check the spring in the buttstock as that's the part that wears out as years past. . The springs lasts for a very long time but if the spring is original it's time for a new one. . A new spring measures 13.5 inches and most worn springs are 10.5 inches. . Wrights are the go to for a new spring.

The timing is important as well.. Set it so you have about 1/16" slack when the bolt is open. . The timing is adjusted by turning in the aluminum screw that compresses the spring.
 
Last edited:
It is really a shame that they have such a limited following. They were a good working gun back in the day but once the super x-1 came out you could not give one away in 12ga for sure
It is really no different today, tough to resale even mint ones and when you do for peanuts just to move it vs what they should be selling for IMO
Cheers
 
3macs1 said:
It is really a shame that they have such a limited following. They were a good working gun back in the day but once the super x-1 came out you could not give one away in 12ga for sure
It is really no different today, tough to resale even mint ones and when you do for peanuts just to move it vs what they should be selling for IMO
Cheers
Click to expand...

I just don't get why they never caught on.

Yes, you have to clean them to maintain reliability. But so what? Same as any other semi-auto. And take-down couldn't be simpler. Take down and cleaning is FAR easier than my gas guns.

And it's just an all around great design. Reliable with any ammo.

Anytime the Model 50 comes up as a topic around here, there's a small segment of "Love It" and a vastly larger segment of "WTF is that? Never heard of it."
 
Hard to figure why these Model 50's are not more popular than they are. . My take is folks just haven't had the chance to learn what a nice gun they are.. . Wasn't that many built before Winchester figured out they wern't making near enough money on these guns with Remington holding the selling prices down with their stamp, push and pressed guns that functioned very well for cheaper. Anyway; they are a nice gun with next to nothing of a kick and will digest any shell I've stuck in them. . I still own 3 of these Model 50's and also have a Super X-1 Trap with 3 barrels. . Yes, the gas operated Super X-1 is faster and some folks consider them to be one of the best semi-auto shotguns made but, then again, the cost got out in front of the selling price in that time period.

Any of you guys get a chance to pick up a nice Model 50, buy it, I doubt you'll regret it.

Bottom M50 is a Skeet Gun WS-1 . . Trap Gun and a Field Gun. . Top plain barrel one I sold.







Here's my Super X-1 with all the barrels

 
Last edited:
2 major regrets in life,. marrying my first wife and selling my model 50.
had the alloy receiver,which as said,had a cracking problem with mag loads (2 .75'' mags). mine had a mod choke....best shottie i ever had.
i acquired mine in a goose pit.... had a brand new model 870.....shot 2 geese that morning,buddy got nothing.....traded straight across ,the 870 for the 50.
after the model 50, Winchester came out with the model 59....the 500miles of fiberglass barrel.(Light steel tube wrapped in 'glass.) Parts are getting VERY SCARCE...
been happy with my model 37 ITHACAS for over 40 years but would trade one plus cash in a heartbeat for another model 50...
 
yeah mine is the steel receiver. its pretty heavy but i kind of like the weight, maybe not after a day of walking lol. yeah i noticed parts are pretty hard to find, i find another barrel online without ribbing and fixed choke, i think full, for 160$. pretty expensive but other sites are asking 300 for just a barrel lol.. ill see how it performs and see if i want to keep it or not i still haven't fired it yet
 
If you're serious about replacing the barrel I believe I have a new one. . 30" full choke if memory is correct. Sounds like you already have one lined up. . $160 is reasonable if it's good and not beat up. Send me a pm if interested.
 
Seems to me, that one of the complaints, that I have heard about the Model 50 was, that since all the action mechanism is in the stock,many found them to be butt heavy and muzzle light.Never used one myself,but I have heard others who have used them say this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom