Winchester Serial Number Lookup: 3 Different Rifle Types Revealed
If you own a Winchester repeating arms, you may be curious about its history and production details. That’s where a Winchester Serial Number Lookup can come in handy.
In this article, we will delve into the following:
- The Winchester Serial Number history,
- How to Determine the Birthdate of Winchester Using Serial Numbers,
- The different types of Winchester Rifles
Read the comprehensive guide to unlock the secrets behind your Winchester firearm’s serial Number.
Winchester Serial Number History
Winchester repeating arms began its production in the year:
- Serial Number System: The Winchester serial number system was first introduced in the late 19th century to track the production and sales of firearms.
- Purpose: The serial served as a way to identify and keep records of individual firearms, including details such as the model, caliber, and production date.
- Historical Research: The Cody Firearms Museum holds a wealth of information on Winchesters manufactured before 1900, including the extensive historical research conducted by the late historian George Madis on Winchester firearms.
Winchester also used letters or symbols as prefixes or suffixes to indicate specific variations or features of a firearm. For example, a serial number might tell whether a rifle has:
- A unique barrel length,
- A particular type of wood stock,
- Specific engraving pattern.
Winchester Models
Winchester consists of 3 types of rifles: Let’s outline their key features and model serial numbers.
1. Slide Action Rifles
The Winchester Slide Action Rifles, known as Winchester pump-action rifles, have gained popularity among firearm enthusiasts.
Key features:
- Unique pump-action mechanism, which allows for rapid follow-up shots and efficient reloading.
- Winchester slide action rifles are chambered in the .22 Long Rifle, the .30-30 Winchester, or .45-70.
- Sleek and streamlined design, which combines functionality with aesthetics.
- Smooth ergonomic grips, and well-balanced weight distribution, make them comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
Serial Number Ranges
It is crucial to acknowledge that the data provided is based on the best available information at the time. Still, there is no guarantee of 100% accuracy in all serial number and year combinations.
Model 1890
1890 – 1900 | 1 – 99175 |
1901 – 1910 | 99176 – 430402 |
1911 – 1920 | 430403 – 644777 |
1921 – 1930 | 644778 – 743101 |
1931 – 1940 | 743101 – 752044 |
Model 1906
1905 – 1915 | 1 – 453888 |
1916 – 1925 | 453889 – 628921 |
1926 – 1935 | 628922 – 708284 |
Model 61
1932 – 1938 | 1 – 36330 |
1939 – 1945 | 36331 – 64756 |
1946 – 1952 | 65757 – 182472 |
1953 – 1958 | 182473 – 294473 |
1959 – 1963 | 294474 – 343976 |
Model 62
1932 – 1941 | 1 – 137387 |
1942 – 1951 | 137388 – 282824 |
1952 – 1959 | 282825 – 410456 |
2. Lever Action Rifles
The Winchester Model 1866, also known as the “Yellow Boy”, was the first successful lever action rifle and paved the way for other iconic models such as the Model 1873, Model 1892, and Model 1894.
They had an innovative lever-action design, allowing rapid fire and quick reloading.
Let’s check out their serial numbers:
Model 1892
1893 – 1900 | 1 – 183411 |
1901 – 1910 | 183412 – 586996 |
1911 – 1920 | 586997 – 906754 |
1921 – 1930 | 906755 – 999730 |
1931 – 1941 | 999730 – 1004583 |
Model 1894
1894 – 1920 | 1 – 880627 |
1921 – 1940 | 880628 – 1238584 |
1941 – 1960 | 1238585 – 2469821 |
1961 – 1980 | 2469822 – 4826597 |
Model 1895
1895 – 1905 | 1 – 54783 |
1906 – 1915 | 54784 – 174233 |
1916 – 1925 | 174234 – 417402 |
1926 – 1935 | 417403 – 426348 |
1936 – 1940 | 426349 – 426754 |
Model 53
1924 – 1928 | 1 – 11139 |
1929 – 1932 | 11140 – 14623 |
1933 – 1936 | 14624 – 15047 |
1937 – 1941 | 15048 – 15118 |
Model 55
1924 – 1928 | 1 – 10471 |
1929 – 1932 | 10472 – 19212 |
1933 – 1936 | 19213 – 20592 |
Model 64
1933 – 1936 | 1087837 – 1112194 |
1937 – 1940 | 1112195 – 1238584 |
1941 – 1950 | 1238585 – 1724295 |
1951 – 1954 | 1724296 – 2071100 |
1955 – 1957 | 2071101 – 2225001 |
Model 71
1935 – 1940 | 1 – 18267 |
1941 – 1945 | 18268 – 22224 |
1946 – 1950 | 22225 – 31450 |
1951 – 1955 | 31451 – 43305 |
1956 – 1958 | 43306 – 47254 |
Model 88
1955 – 1960 | 1 – 110268 |
1961 – 1965 | 110269 – 162699 |
1966 – 1970 | 162700 – H258229 |
1971 – 1975 | H258230 – H284971 |
3. Bolt Action Rifles
Winchester’s bolt action rifles are designed to provide excellent accuracy and performance, with features such as:
- Smooth bolt operation,
- Crisp triggers,
- Ergonomic stocks for comfortable shooting.
They included models 54, 52, 70, and model 75, which have the following serial numbers.
Model 54
1925 – 1930 | 1 – 32504 |
1931 – 1935 | 32505 – 47135 |
1936 – 1941 | 47136 – 50161 |
Model 52
1919 – 1929 | 1 – 14943 |
1930 – 1939 | 14944 – 45819 |
1940 – 1949 | 45820 – 68149 |
1950 – 1959 | 68150 – 98899 |
1960 – 1969 | 98900 – 124107 |
1970 – 1979 | 124108 – 125522 |
Model 70
1935 – 1945 | 1 – 58987 |
1946 – 1955 | 75676 – 361025 |
1956 – 1965 | 361026 – 809177 |
1966 – 1975 | 809178 – G1218700 |
1976 – 1982 | G1218701 – G1586441 |
Model 75
1938 – 1943 | 1 – 35484 |
1946 – 1950 | 35485 – 76008 |
1951 – 1954 | 76009 – 84295 |
1955 – 1958 | 84296 – 88715 |
Production Dates
The Model 42 shotguns began production in 1933 up to 1965, when they ceased production. The numbers ranged from 1 to 160013 in 1965. We have outlined the year and Number produced for each period.
Be aware that only estimated years are provided for the serial number ranges listed below.
Year | Serial Number at Start of the period | Number Produced: Model 42 |
1933 – 1940 | 1 | 43355 |
1940 – 1945 | 43355 | 7813 |
1946 -1950 | 51169 | 29938 |
1951 – 1955 | 81108 | 40776 |
1956 – 1960 | 121884 | 23416 |
1960 – 1965 | 145300 | 14714 |
Winchester Model 70: Age and Value
The Winchester Model 70 is a classic and highly regarded rifle that has been produced for over 80 years, with various models and calibers introduced throughout its production history.
Winchester Model 70 rifles produced before 1964 are often referred to as “pre-64” rifles and are highly sought after by collectors for their craftsmanship and quality.
Winchester Production Dates Using Serial Numbers
Winchester firearms serial numbers can usually be found on the receiver or frame of the guns or shotguns.
To determine the approximate year of a Winchester rifle, follow these steps:
- Identify the model of the Winchester: This may vary depending on the specific model.
- Look up the serial number reference chart: You can check the production dates using the reference chart given above.
- Match the Number to the reference chart: This will give you approximate manufacturing dates.
- Contact the Winchester Experts: If you are unsure about the age of your Winchester firearm.
FAQ
What do Winchester serial numbers mean?
Winchester serial numbers uniquely identify individual firearms and can provide information about their manufacturing dates.
The serial number may include letters and numbers that indicate the model and production year.
What year is Winchester Model 94?
The production of Winchester Model 94 rifles began in 1894 and has continued with various changes and modifications over the years.
To identify the production dates of model 94, enter the serial number here and click the submit button.
What year was the Winchester model?
You can check your Winchester model’s specific year of production by choosing the particular model on this page, inputting your serial Number, and clicking on the submit button.
Where is the serial number on a Winchester?
The serial number detail of a Winchester is stamped or engraved on the buttplate, which is the metal or plastic plate at the end of the stock. Alternatively, the serial may be inside the store or other parts of the firearm’s furniture.
How to identify Winchester 1873?
The Winchester 1873 Lever action model can be identified by checking some of its unique features: the overall design, stamps and markings, and the specific barrel length.
Conclusion
Delving into Winchester repeating arms and utilizing the Winchester serial number lookup tool can be a fascinating journey for gun enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The serial number of a Winchester is located on the buttplate at the end of the stock. We have outlined the charts that will help you find the production dates of your Winchester rifle.
Do you have a Winchester firearm? What is your serial Number? Feel free to comment below, and remember to share the post with your friends.
Tyler Purols
Tyler Purol is a professional Bowhunter. He has professional training in hunting. For many years he hunts regularly.