Brandyn's rifle

       My nephew Brandyn’s grandfather died recently, and bequeathed him his “old rifle”.  As Brandyn is just seven years old, it came to me in trust.The ‘old rifle’ is a Winchester Model 1890 in .22 WRF  (more on this unusual cartridge later). It’s a little pump gun with a nice octagonal barrel, and is in desperate need of some attention. It’s not been fired in a long time, the action is very stiff in operation.

I can’t see into the bore but I’m sure it’s not good.  The stock also needs refinishing.  So just what is it about this ‘old rifle’ that makes it interesting ?

The Winchester 1890
       The model 1890 was the first slide (pump) action rifle produced by Winchester, as they had previously concentrated on the popular lever action repeaters.  It went on to become one of the company’s best selling small calibre firearms worldwide.  The rifle, designed by brothers John and Matthew Browning, was available chambered for the .22 Short, Long, and Winchester Rim fire cartridges, but not interchangeably.  It wasn’t until 1919 that the .22 LR cartridge was also offered. The rifle was a slide action, top ejecting rifle with 18” magazine tube under the barrel.  All Model 1890’s were furnished standard with plain walnut straight stocks, a crescent butt plate and 12 groove slide handle, however over time three distinct variations emerged.

Octagonal barrel and tube magazine

First model.
       Solid frame, 24” octagonal barrel, case hardened frame, fixed rear sight.  Manufactured from 1890 to 1892, It is thought that 15,552 of these first models were produced.  They are distinguished by their concealed locking lugs and solid frame.  They are serial numbered on the lower tang only.

Note the cut out and external locking lugs on the breech bolt

Third Model.
       Takedown, 24” octagonal barrel, blued frame, adjustable rear sight.  Serial numbered from 325,251 to as high as 853,000 it is clearly the most common of the 1890 model types.  (The serial number is stamped into the bottom front end of the receiver as well as the lower tang).  Distinguished by the locking cut made on the front top of the receiver to allow the breech bolt to lock externally.  A Deluxe version was also available.
      
       The Model 1890 was produced from 1890 to 1932, with around 775,000 guns sold.  Values can vary enormously according to model, chambering, and condition. 

The 1890 Third Model

       Brandyn’s standard grade gun is serial numbered in the 738,000’s which makes it a late production model (probably around 1930), and given that it is in poor condition it would be worth no more than USD $500 but probably much less.  In this case however the value is sentimental and historical, rather than monetary.  It is a connection with his grandfather, not a term deposit. So, what next?

The Successors to the 1890

       The Model 1906 was designed as a lower cost version of the 1890.  While using the same receiver it was fitted with a 20” round barrel and gumwood stock.  In 1908 it was altered so that it could shoot the .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle cartridges interchangeably, making it a very flexible and cheaper (about two-thirds the cost of an 1890) option ensuring its success.

       The Model 62 that replaced both these earlier models, featured a 23” round barrel, combined the ability to shoot the .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle cartridges interchangeably (from the 1906) with some of the 1890’s finer finish features, as well as incorporating a few “modern” manufacturing refinements to the basic Browning action. What if I want to buy a new one?  Well, you are in luck!

Picture from taurususa.com

The Taurus M62R is, as the model number suggests, modelled after the Winchester Model 62.  It has a 23” barrel, with a tube magazine holding thirteen .22 LR rounds only.  Metalwork is stainless steel, contrasting with dark stained timber stock. 

       Naturally the Taurus features some concessions to modern design such as a safety mechanism, which was not seen back in the days of the 1890.  (The Taurus M62R is reviewed in the June 2004 Edition of “Australian Shooter” and at the time the RRP was $600).

The .22 WRF Cartridge

       The .22 WRF (Winchester Rim Fire) was designed specifically for the Model 1890 slide action rifle.  It was later adapted to Remington and Stevens Rifles as well as Colt Revolvers.  While the Winchester round used a flattened point bullet, when Remington manufactured for the cartridge they used a round nose bullet and the name .22 Remington Special.  (These cartridges are otherwise identical and the name simply points to the fact that Remington did not want the name Winchester to appear on any of their rifles.  Times have changed in these days of WSMs and WSSMs haven’t they!)
Chuck Hawks tells us that “The .22WRF fires a 45 grain, copper-plated, lead semi-wadcutter style bullet at a velocity of 1,320 fps and 175 ft. lbs. of energy at the muzzle of a 22" rifle barrel.