Winchester Model 74 .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle, 22 Inch Barrel, 14-Round Buttstock Tube, 1954 Production
This late-1954 Winchester Model 74 is a .22 LR semi-automatic rifle with classic blued steel and walnut furniture. It features a 22 inch barrel and a 14-round tubular magazine housed in the buttstock with a side loading port. Winchester oval WP proofs are present on both the barrel and receiver, and the rifle retains hallmark Model 74 traits including the horizontally sliding receiver safety and pop-out bolt assembly.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are significant handling and use marks on the exterior surfaces. The bore presents a bright, clean appearance.
What’s Included
- Cleaning rod
Chambered in .22 LR and built on a simple blowback action, the Model 74 delivers dependable semi-automatic performance. This example uses the distinctive buttstock-mounted tubular magazine with a side loading port and a 14-round capacity for .22 LR, paired with right-side ejection.
Sighting equipment consists of a dovetailed front blade and an adjustable rear leaf with an elevator, providing practical elevation control. The rifle wears uncheckered walnut throughout, including a straight-comb, semi-pistol-grip stock and a matching uncheckered walnut forend. A steel checkered buttplate completes the classic configuration, with a 13.5 inch length of pull.
Controls and mechanical features include Winchester’s horizontally sliding receiver safety and the Model 74’s pop-out bolt assembly design. These elements reflect the thoughtful engineering that defines this series.
Production of the Model 74 spanned 1939–1955 with approximately 406,574 made. The serial number places this rifle in late 1954. Winchester oval WP proofs appear on both the barrel and receiver, attesting to factory testing and finish quality, and the metal retains a traditional blued finish.