Winchester Model 74 .22 LR Semi-Automatic Rifle | 1949 Production, 22" Barrel, 14-Round Buttstock Magazine
This 1949 Winchester Model 74 offers a classic American rimfire design with its distinctive buttstock-housed tubular magazine and smooth blowback action. Built during the final decade of Model 74 production, it features a blued steel receiver, 22-inch carbon-steel barrel, and an oil-finished walnut stock—all original to the rifle. Collectors value this configuration for its pre-1953 ungrooved receiver and unique top-mounted sliding safety, pairing period-correct engineering with the timeless appeal of a Winchester marked “WP” on barrel and receiver.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces show scattered scratches, blemishes, and areas of rust and pitting. Wood carries handling marks consistent with regular field use, but remains structurally solid. Mechanically functional.
What’s Included
- Cleaning rod
The Model 74 is Winchester’s last rimfire autoloader to load from a buttstock magazine. A checkered steel butt-plate pivots to reveal the loading port for the 14-round tube, keeping weight centered and lines clean.
Serial number 228XXXA confirms 1949 manufacture, placing this rifle in the desirable early post-war era before receiver grooving became standard. The matching Winchester “WP” proof marks on barrel and receiver underline its factory originality.
Sighting is handled by a drift-adjustable leaf rear with elevator and a blade front set in a ramped dovetail—simple, rugged iron sights that suit small-game hunting or casual plinking.
An internal hammer, blowback action, and top-mounted sliding safety deliver straightforward operation, while the 13.75" length of pull and semi-beavertail fore-end provide a comfortable fit for most shooters.