Winchester Model 490 Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle.

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djm

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I just acquired a Mint Condition - Winchester Model 490 Semi-Auto Rim Fire Rifle (Mfg. 74-76) - from a friends estate.

I am amazed at the overall quality of this gun - It easily surpasses almost any other Semi-Auto Rimfire that I've ever encountered.

I've read that it was developed to go along with the Winchester Model 100 Center-Fire Rifle - but didn't catch on in the market place.

Wondering if that was because of Price or the fact that they were built at the Winchester Canada (formerly H.W. Cooey) Factory in Coburg, On. (?)

Apparently there was a recall in early 1976 as some guns would slamfire or double-auto.

But mine works perfectly and is very accurate.

So, just wondering who else out there is a fan of the Model 490 and what experience you've had.

All input will be appreciated.

Dave.
 
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I have a Winchester 490 that i purchased from Lovetts Gunshop in Kitchener, in approximately 1985 , I saw the ad in the Canadian firearms paper , The Gun Runner , you are right about the quality, all steel receiver which gives it some heft , it’s very accurate, stepping it down to clean the receiver , and bolt is a bit of a pain

The trigger pull is heavy , I have had to replace some parts , the cocking handle got worn and wouldn’t hold the bolt open , and a clamp that holds the magazine housing in place broke , I got all my parts from Western Gun Parts in Edmonton,
 
Gentlemen,
I'm working on a COOEY History as you have noted in other posts on this site. As the 490 was manufactured solely in Cobourg it falls within my study parameters. Need serial number and description of your rifle for my serial number tables. If the serial number is stamped with an asterisk before or after the s.n. it went through the recall procedure for slam firing if not beware. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
So far I've logged almost 7400 Cobourg serial numbers for everything built in T.O. or Cobourg that had serial numbers.
Best regards,
Scott
PS: If you wish your name in acknowledgments please sign as you wish it to appear. No serial number will be linked to any correspondent.
 
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They are a very nice shooting semi, my brother in law has one he's had for about 40 years. I cleaned it for him, that would be it's only detriment, it's a PITA to clean.
 
I haven't owned any in years, nice feel to the gun mine had the * with the serial numbers.
I don't know how I ended up with a stock and 10 shot mags for them.
I don't think I have a record of the serial numbers of some i have owned.
 
I owned one for a while, like you said, nice rifles. Even had a somewhat decent stock on it. Yes, you have to take it all apart to clean it, and generally you'll lose zero on your scope because the receiver/barrel connection isn't that robust. Heavy trigger. Basically a dolled-up version of the 64 but different magazines. I especially liked the engine-turned bolt - very stylish. I do recall that the magazine guide needed to be just right when reassembling.

Can't recall the serial number, but it did have the asterisk. Sold it to someone on CGN.
 
Scott Jamieson said:
Gentlemen,
I'm working on a COOEY History as you have noted in other posts on this site. As the 490 was manufactured solely in Cobourg it falls within my study parameters. Need serial number and description of your rifle for my serial number tables. If the serial number is stamped with an asterisk before or after the s.n. it went through the recall procedure for slam firing if not beware. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
So far I've logged almost 7400 Cobourg serial numbers for everything built in T.O. or Cobourg that had serial numbers.
Best regards,
Scott
PS: If you wish your name in acknowledgments please sign as you wish it to appear. No serial number will be linked to any correspondent.
Click to expand...

How is the book coming along anyhow? This past summer I acquired what I believe was the Canuck 410 in Beltons book. I've since had it restocked so it's the same as the other 410 guage cooey made. It was one of my best finds to date.
 
Scott Jamieson said:
Gentlemen,
I'm working on a COOEY History as you have noted in other posts on this site. As the 490 was manufactured solely in Cobourg it falls within my study parameters. Need serial number and description of your rifle for my serial number tables. If the serial number is stamped with an asterisk before or after the s.n. it went through the recall procedure for slam firing if not beware. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
So far I've logged almost 7400 Cobourg serial numbers for everything built in T.O. or Cobourg that had serial numbers.
Best regards,
Scott
PS: If you wish your name in acknowledgments please sign as you wish it to appear. No serial number will be linked to any correspondent.
Click to expand...


It's not a good idea for anyone on here to be asking anyone for the serial number to any firearm . unless they are doing business with them . book or no book . and even if there was a recall he doesn't have a leg to stand on due to the fact the shop is closed . how does this Gentleman know how creditable you are . I'm not trying to rain on your parade . just saying .
 
cement head said:
It's not a good idea for anyone on here to be asking anyone for the serial number to any firearm . unless they are doing business with them . book or no book . and even if there was a recall he doesn't have a leg to stand on due to the fact the shop is closed . how does this Gentleman know how creditable you are . I'm not trying to rain on your parade . just saying .
Click to expand...
Winchester-Olin still warrants the Model 100 for firing pin issues. A rifle that hasn't been manufactured since the 70s. Whether they would with the Model 490 could be found out with correspondence to the parent company. As for the "book", Scott Jamieson is well known by many Cooey enthusiasts here and abroad. Doing some research on this author may show you how credible he is.
 
mbogo3 said:
Yes
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I never found this to be a huge burden. Just tends to jam with dirty ammo more often than a Ruger 10-22 in the gopher fields.
I had a Weaver fixed 4 Challenger on top with old timey weaver rings.
Many times I had the barrel off and trigger guts removed for ultrasonic cleaning.
Can't remember ever having to readjust the scope.
And I found that factory barrel a tad bit more accurate than my standard 10-22 barrel.
My two bits only.
That 490 never let me down.
 
Brutus said:
I never found this to be a huge burden. Just tends to jam with dirty ammo more often than a Ruger 10-22 in the gopher fields.
I had a Weaver fixed 4 Challenger on top with old timey weaver rings.
Many times I had the barrel off and trigger guts removed for ultrasonic cleaning.
Can't remember ever having to readjust the scope.
And I found that factory barrel a tad bit more accurate than my standard 10-22 barrel.
My two bits only.
That 490 never let me down.
Click to expand...

I was using Remington Yellow Jacket ammo for gopher shooting, it’s dirty ammo, gummed up my 490 quick, switch to CCI was a huge improvement
 
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