Winchester 490 info?

nbx

nbx

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Hey guys

Looking into a bit of background on my dad's Winchester 490. It was a fun gun to have around the farm as a kid but it doesn't seem like they were that common. Any of you guys have any experience or knowledge on these guys? I'm curious how many of them were made and such. I'm guessing they weren't that great if Winchester doesn't make them anymore.
 
I had one when I was a kid - pretty good rifle, IIRC.

Interestingly, if you get one apart you find it's essentially a Cooey Model 64, the ultimate low-budget semi-auto .22. Same bolt, same barrel attachment, same everything, but a much higher standard of fit and finish - jewelled bolt, better wood in a more aesthetically pleasing shape, better mag...

A good solid rifle with some style.

Dan
 
It was actually their top of the line semi back in the '70s or whenever. Jewelled bolt, serrated trigger, walnut stock, folding rear sight, all steel receiver, etc. The rifling twist was also a little faster, IIRC. Very nice rifles. I had one, really liked it.
 
Winchester of Canada stopped making them in 1977 or so, I believe after only about two years or so, of manufacture.
I have had one since I was a teenager. I find it a bit, just a little bit more accurate than my Ruger 10/22. This rifle got a real workout in Saskatchewan, and after I got the Ruger, this was my loaner gopher gun too. No complaints, it just cant compete with the amount of rounds a Ruger carbine can spit out, before jamming due to powder residue.
There was a problem with the trigger firing in an unsafe manner at first, and if it has been reworked, there with be a star-like askerisk behind the serial number on the receiver.

For it's time it was pretty darn good, All Steel and Walnut, full sized rifle handling, nothing scrimped on here.

I think the rifling twist is 1 in 14.5 inches from Gun Digest, circa 1977.

And as Dan mentioned above, if your firing mechanism needs spare parts, several parts of a Cooey Model 64 interchange.
 
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I always got the impression it was a solid gun, however, not a lot written about it on the internet. I suppose it's not quite as legendary or prolific as the 10/22, but it definitely is a solid rifle. I'm going to pull it out of retirement at the farm this weekend and I'm really looking forward to shooting it again. Do you guys have any idea where I could find a manual for it?
 
Absolutely love mine to pieces, except that I broke my ejector by dropping the barrel accidentally.

With my 3x9 40mm scope on mine I can hit the 200 yard gongs @ Poco with it over and over when the winds are not kicking up.

Ordered a bunch of 10 rounds mags for mine and always pack it out in the jeep with me.

Just gotta locate a new Ejector and mine will be shooting full time again.

IMG_1286.jpg


Pic is a few months old, I'd take a few pics now but my buddies are still drunk as hell passed out all over my floors haha.

Still cannot believe how accurate this gun is.

We were shooting VCR's and other computer parts with it and we could shoot single keys out on keyboard/ect!
 
On other sites I've heard guys complaining about them being inaccurate, but I never seemed to have a problem with it. I don't recall how far out I've tried to make groupings, but I guess I'll do that test on the weekend.
 
490

nbx said:
On other sites I've heard guys complaining about them being inaccurate, but I never seemed to have a problem with it. I don't recall how far out I've tried to make groupings, but I guess I'll do that test on the weekend.
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Perhaps one source of inaccuracy is, the locking bolt for the barrel attachment. If not tightened properly, this could cerainly lead to poor bullet groups.
Maybe.......
 
The 490 was the first gun I bought when I was 16. I still have mine but it has sat unfired for several years now. It was, however, very accurate and I never had any problems with jamming etc. If you google them, they seem to be somewhat sought after in the US and 490s in good condition are going for $450 USD. If I remember correctly I paid around $100 new- Cooeys were in the $60-$70 range at that time.
 
I just got home from May long holidays....the 490 worked like a charm! Great in every way, although after about 400 rounds put through the barrel (yes, we were shooting that much) it started to jam a bit. Just needed a really good cleaning. The action also had a hard time staying locked open as well. Other than that, it was fine. Shot tight groups at 50 yards.
 
nbx said:
Hey guys

Looking into a bit of background on my dad's Winchester 490. It was a fun gun to have around the farm as a kid but it doesn't seem like they were that common. Any of you guys have any experience or knowledge on these guys? I'm curious how many of them were made and such. I'm guessing they weren't that great if Winchester doesn't make them anymore.
Click to expand...

First 22 semi I ever owned and it was very accurate and did not jamb if U clean it regulary, sold it as trigger was very heavy,bought another with beutiful wood shot it alot sold it bought another sold it. I must like them as I seem to buy one when they come along!!! They were built in the winchester/Cooey plant in Canada then exported in small quantities to the USA. If U need a new barrel I have one for sale if yours is burnt out PM me,otherwise U have a great rifle. Dale in T-Bay
 
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