Winchester Model 1890 Round Barrel??

[BlackPowderBurner]

I picked this up the other day from a friend and have been trying to learn as much as possible about it. From what I can tell, it's a third model 1890 receiver with model 1906 furniture and a factory replacement barrel? I can't find any info about round barrel 1890s... it measures 57cm. The serial number is only stamped on the bottom tang and corresponds with a 1902 production date which is odd as 22 LR rifles started production in 1919. Truly an enigma What are your thoughts? Value?

 

[kamlooky]

Wasn't there one in the EE for under three brown ones?

 

[rimfireplinker]

The barrel is the same barrel as used by the model 62/62a . After approx. 1932 Winchester used these for replacement barrels for both the 62 and the model 90 as the octagonal barrels were discontinued . The model 90 roll stamp was applied as needed . If you measure the distance between the magazine tube holders , you will see that they are the same as the 62a . The 1906's and 1890's were further apart .

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

The barrel is the same barrel as used by the model 62/62a . After approx. 1932 Winchester used these for replacement barrels for both the 62 and the model 90 as the octagonal barrels were discontinued . The model 90 roll stamp was applied as needed . If you measure the distance between the magazine tube holders , you will see that they are the same as the 62a . The 1906's and 1890's were further apart .

Interesting! Thanks for the info! Any idea how rare a rebarrel in .22 is?

 

[rimfireplinker]

It was not unheard of pre WW2 . An 1890 was considered a rifle to hold onto due to it's well made construction and simplicity . If parts wore or got damaged , they were repaired . Many families just could not afford another .22 if the existing one could be repaired for a fraction of the price . Also some 2nd model 1890's were converted over to the stronger 3rd model locking system and bolt design due to the increases in .22 pressures and velocities brought on by the newer .22 smokeless ammo . This may have been done to your rifle . As far as I can determine , all 3rd model 1890's were stamped with a serial number on both the receiver and on the rear tang, whereas some of the earlier 2rd models were only stamped on the tang .

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

It was not unheard of pre WW2 . An 1890 was considered a rifle to hold onto due to it's well made construction and simplicity . If parts wore or got damaged , they were repaired . Many families just could not afford another .22 if the existing one could be repaired for a fraction of the price . Also some 2nd model 1890's were converted over to the stronger 3rd model locking system and bolt design due to the increases in .22 pressures and velocities brought on by the newer .22 smokeless ammo . This may have been done to your rifle . As far as I can determine , all 3rd model 1890's were stamped with a serial number on both the receiver and on the rear tang, whereas some of the earlier 2rd models were only stamped on the tang .

Ahh, the story unfolds. A conversion to the outer locking system makes sense, I assume at the time of conversion and possibly re-barreling they also altered the chambering to .22 LR. It's nice owning a rifle that was consciously kept in good working order and obviously relied upon if such an effort was made.