Winchester Mod. 55 single shot

[GunnyUSMC]

Like most Fridays I stop off at the Waffle House for breakfast and then hit the pawn shops. The first one I stopped at told me that they had a rifle stock that they wanted me to repair. The guy hands me a little Winchester that I have never had in my hands before. I have seen photos of one but never seen one in person.
I told the guy, why fix it, just sell it to me. As he started thinking about it I told him I would give his $75 for it. We started laughing and he said that I always low ball him on prices. He then said that I could have it for $100 out the door and I bought it.
I did look it up and found out that they were built from 1958 to 1961 with just over 300000 being made.

 

[SwampWolf]

I think you got a good deal on a rather unusual rifle: a single-shot auto (almost sounds like an oxymoron ).

 

[waho]

Got one, my go to gopher gun. Have had this since '60.

 

[.45Guy]

Good score Gunny! I've been looking for one for a looooong time.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

My Model 55

I've got one in very good condition that I received for Christmas when I was 11 years old (1959). Still have the red Winchester hang tag.

This rifle is top loading and bottom ejection and as a kid, I have distinct memories of squirrel hunting and the hot empty hull dropping down my cuff!

Since it fires from an open bolt position, it has to be cocked on initial loading. Pushing down the loading gate forces the tang safety to the safe position. The shooter then pushes the safety to the off position (forward) and fires the rifle. The bolt is forced back which re-cocks the action and ejects the empty hull. The process starts over when you load another round in the loading gate.

Winchester called this a Model 55 Single Shot Automatic and is not real common. I've seen a few at gunshows that sell for $200+ in fair to good condition. Broken loading gates are common problems.

Gunbroker had one last year that was NIB with a very high reserve, close to $2000, if I remeber correctly. BTW, Winchester made another Model 55 that was a lever action centerfire.

 

[T Bran]

This is the rifle I learned to shoot with still have it in the safe many a critter has met his end due to the old 55. Mine has a broken cocking lever return spring but shoots as well today as it did back then. Best .22 ever made but I could be a bit biased.
T

Should you decide to part with it PM me I'd be happy to tripple your investment.

 

[303tom]

The Candyman strikes again, great score Gunny, we want to know how she shoots..........

 

[Buckyt]

Win model 55

My Standard catalog of Firearms show a value of, Exc- $400, VG- $350, Good- $225, Fair-$150. I couldn't find it in the George Madis, Winchester Book. I have never seen this gun, and I think you got a great deal. After you repair the stock, it will be a real winner. Congrats!

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Gunny, how big is your collection at this point? Numerically, that is.

If you don't want to share that info publicly, please feel free to PM me, butI gotsta know!!!

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Beagle-zebub
I have been buying guns since I was 18. Back in the day I didn't have much to spend on guns but would manage to pick up one or two a year.
The bigest problem I have with my collection is focus. I collect 22s and have just over 50 of them. I also collect surplus weapons, Turkish Mausers being one of my favorites. I have 22 of them 4 of which I am restoring. I also have two more of them coming in. I have weapons from over 17 countries but still don't have any from France.
It would be safe to say that I have just over 300 weapons. I try not to keep count because then it takes a year or two to loose track again. I keep two gun logs. One list everything, when they come in and loged out if I sell, trade or give one away. I also keep a log just for my C&R guns.
The only trouble I have is room to keep them all. I closed in my 15X25 carport which is my workshop and will be building a gun volt in it to store guns. I will also be able to get my gun safes out of my living room once I finish up my shop.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

*Drooooool....*

That's pretty freakin' cool.