Winchester Model 1903 Info

[albayo]

I am looking for info on Winchester Model 1903 22 Automatic Rimfire rifle.

I was looking at a VG Winchester Model 1903 22 Automatic Rimfire rifle. It is a small gun with some interesting innovations like loading from the butt similar to a Browning 22 semi. I am told the ammunition is different in dimensions from the common 22 LR? Is it an obsolete round or does any of the big manufacturers make it? The cocking handle is under the barrel and reminds me of the Reising 22 Leatherneck I once owned.

If anyone has info on the gun or the ammo I would appreciate it.

 

[chasseur]

The round for the 1903 is obsolete.It came about because at the time the 1903 first came out most 22lr ammo was loaded with black powder and would gum up and not function properly in a semi auto so winchester produced its own ammo for it.
The 1903 was eventually replaced by the model 63(I just purchased a copy which was reproduced by winchester in the 80s or 90s from a guy on here and he has another one left but in high grade)The model 63 is the same gun as the 1903 but it was redesigned to shoot the standard 22lr ammo.The winchester 63 is considered one of the best 22 semi autos ever produced.They are an all steel quality rifle.
If you buy the 1903 you will have a real nice rifle but one that shoots scarce very expensive ammo

 

[Smirf]

I have been researching this rifle as I have found one in my basement, registered to me from my dad. Ammo can still be ordered, if you can confirm delivery to Canada, from a number of US based stores. The gun I have is from 1913 and I am waiting to test fire once I get ammo...maybe to sell.