So, What Can You Tell Me About Dad's Old .22 ?

[Redhouse]

My dad got this from the Sears catalogue sometime in the mid-50's. He tells me it's pretty rare and somewhat of a collector. I believe him - who was the brainiac who thought up a singe shot semi-automatic? You #### the action, top load a cartridge, and the recoil recocks the action. Bottom eject. Reload a cartridge in the top, see pic where I'm holding the door open so you can see the bore.

It's been well used, it's all there but the wood has substantial marking and the bluing is worn off the muzzle - tho otherwise almost perfect. Couldn't tell you what shape the bore is in. I've had it for around 20 years, put maybe 20 rounds thru it 18 years ago or so and it hasn't been shot since.

Google searches for 'Winchester Model 55' yields guns from a different era, in different calibers. Does this thing have some collector value?

 

[Hitzy]

From a US board:

Winchester manufactured 45,000 of the top-loading single-shot Model 55 .22s from 1958 to 1961. Prior to the 1968 GCA, firearms were not required to be serial numbered and the M55 was not. In 90 percent condition, it's worth $150. But all older Winchester .22s in 90 percent original condition are increasing in value.

Link to manual http://www.pbase.com/thejerk/win_mod_55

 

[jaguar]

What Hitzy posted is dead on. I picked a Model 55 up about 4 years ago in excellent condition. Shot it a few times and it wasn't to bad accuracy wise. Stripped cleaned & oiled it and tucked it away till the price goes up a bit. I'd like to say it is rare, but would tend to lean more on the "rare to find in good condition" description. Remember, these were more of a beginner's gun and mose have seen a fair bit of use on tin cans and countless trips around the farm hunting g-hogs, squirrels, etc. I've only come across 2 others on the internet but do remember a friend having one as a kid in the 70's. There's a small introductory paragraph article in the front section of the 1959 Gun Digest as well. They look nice hanging on the wall next to an '88 . It was a novel idea by Winchester and functioned well but the additional cost to manufacture and mediocre sales made it a short run. A nice addition to a Winchester collection but not sure if many would spend more than $200 for a mint one. (hope I'm mistaken, if so PM me) .
Cheers
Jaguar/TheCounty

ps Why Winchester could not have picked a different Model No. (55 was already used) is a real head scratcher.