Winchester Model 55 Takedown .25-35 WCF Lever-Action Rifle, 24 in Nickel Steel Barrel, MFD 1931
This Winchester Model 55 Takedown in .25-35 W.C.F. stands out for its 1931 manufacture date and classic takedown configuration. It features a 24 inch round Nickel Steel barrel with an integral ramp front sight base, a top-eject receiver, and factory open sights. Period-correct rollmarks, oval WP proofs on both barrel and receiver, and the Model 94/55 co-joined serial range add clear historical context to this example from the core 1924–1932 production window.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: There are noticeable signs of wear and handling throughout. The metal shows scratches and blemishes with areas of surface rust and finish loss. There is visible pitting in places.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 55 Takedown .25-35 WCF rifle
The Model 55 takedown system uses a two-piece barrel and magazine assembly with a collar and latch, allowing the rifle to separate for transport and storage. This example retains the top-eject receiver configuration and a half-length under-barrel tubular magazine, true to the model’s design.
The 24 inch round barrel is marked Nickel Steel and carries an integral ramp base with a blade front sight. A barrel-mounted open rear sight with an elevator provides a traditional sight picture consistent with the period and chambering.
Factory rollmarks include "MODEL 55 - WINCHESTER - TRADE MARK - NICKEL STEEL - 25-35 W.C.F." and the Winchester New Haven barrel address. The upper tang is stamped "WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A." Oval WP proofs are present on both the barrel and receiver. MFD 1931.
The straight-grip, plain walnut stock features a shotgun-style butt and an uncheckered finish, paired with a smooth rifle-style forearm. Length of pull measures 13.25 in, offering a traditional fit that complements the rifle’s classic lines.
Produced from 1924 to 1932, the Model 55 is most often encountered as a takedown, and the Nickel Steel barrel marking aligns with production prior to Winchester’s transition to "Proof Steel" in early 1932. This rifle was made in the United States and falls within the Model 94/55 co-joined serial range associated with the era.