Winchester Model 53 Solid-Frame .25-20 Lever-Action Rifle, 22-Inch Nickel Steel Round Barrel (1926) with Half-Magazine
Built in 1926 during the Model 53's short production run, this solid-frame Winchester lever-action stands out with its 22-inch round Nickel Steel barrel and half-length button magazine. Chambered in .25-20 Winchester and based on the proven Model 1892 action, it features top eject, a right-side loading gate, and classic open sights. The bore condition is excellent, making this an appealing piece for collectors and enthusiasts of 1920s Winchester rifles.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The receiver shows widespread finish loss. The wood furniture exhibits handling wear and appears to have been refinished. The barrel has small scratches and finish wear. The tang has an extra hole.
What's Included
- Winchester Model 53 Solid Frame .25-20 lever-action rifle
The Model 53 was produced for a brief period in the late 1920s to early 1930s, and this example dates to 1926. Its solid-frame (non-takedown) configuration offers a rigid receiver and aligns with the model's streamlined design. Factory rollmarks and the Nickel Steel barrel marking are present, underscoring period-correct construction.
It features a 22-inch round Nickel Steel barrel paired with a half-length button tubular magazine, yielding a 6+1 capacity in .25-20 Winchester. The action is derived from the Winchester Model 1892 with dual vertical locking bolts, known for smooth cycling and strong lockup.
Sighting equipment includes a dovetailed blade front on a short ramp and a Winchester sporting rear sight with a stepped elevator. The receiver is open-top with top eject and a right-side loading gate, consistent with the model's layout and era.
Stocked in walnut with a straight grip and a matching walnut forend capped in steel, this rifle has a 13.0-inch length of pull. The external hammer and classic lever-action profile maintain the period-correct handling characteristics that define the Model 53.