Winchester Model 74 .22 LR Semi-Automatic Rifle, 22 Inch Barrel, Walnut Stock (1952)
This 1952 Winchester Model 74 is a classic .22 LR semi-automatic built in New Haven, Connecticut, featuring a distinctive buttstock-housed tubular magazine with a removable inner tube. It combines a 22 inch steel barrel, steel receiver, and walnut furniture with open iron sights and a top-mounted sliding crossbolt safety. The Model 74 is known for its handy "pop-out" bolt assembly and was produced from 1939 to 1955 in significant numbers, making this example a solid representation from the line's mature production years.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are signs of wear and handling throughout. The metal shows scratches and blemishes. Areas of surface rust and finish loss are present.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 74 .22 LR semi-automatic rifle
- Installed removable inner magazine tube
Manufactured in 1952 (serial number range indicates), this Model 74 carries the right-side barrel rollmark: "MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN — U.S. OF AMERICA — WINCHESTER — TRADE MARK — MODEL 74 — 22 L. RIFLE —". Production of the Model 74 spanned 1939–1955 with approximately 406,574 made, and the design is noted in the historical record for limited clandestine British service use.
The rifle operates on a blowback, semi-automatic action and feeds from a tubular magazine housed in the buttstock. The inner magazine tube is accessed through the checkered steel buttplate with an integrated magazine latch, and the rifle uses a right-side loading port. Capacity is 15+1 with .22 LR.
Build features include a 22 inch steel barrel, steel receiver, and a stamped steel trigger guard. The walnut stock and smooth walnut fore-end provide a traditional feel, with a 13.5 inch length of pull. Ejection is through a rectangular right-side port.
Sights are practical and straightforward: a blade front on a short base paired with an open U-notch rear leaf with an elevator. A top-mounted two-position sliding crossbolt safety controls the action.