An old rifle

[Jim]

I have aquired a Winchester model 1890 .22short pump action rifle. According to the books, there were several models. Would the serial number be the way to tell which one it is? If not, how do I tell? I have a friend that wants to buy it and we both want to be fair.

Thanks,
Jim

[crazy mark]

MODEL 1890 - .22 S, L, LR, or WRF rimfire, cals. are non-interchangeable (don't shoot a .22 S in a gun chambered for .22 L) and the barrel is marked for single cal. only, visible hammer, solid-frame (first 15,000) or takedown, 24 in. octagonal barrel, case hardened receivers until 1901, model nomenclature changed to Model 90 circa 1919 at approx. ser. no. range 640,000. Approx. 849,000 mfg. between 1890-1932.

Model 1890 First Model Solid Frame - color case hardened receiver, mfg. 1890-1892.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
N/A $10,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,250
Add 20% for .22 L or WRF cal.

Model 1890 Second Model Takedown Frame - color case hardened receiver, takedown feature was added in 1892 after over 15,000 solid frames had been made, approx. ser. no. range 15,500-326,000. Mfg. 1892-1907.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
N/A $6,500 $4,500 $3,500 $2,750 $2,250 $1,750 $1,500 $1,000 $800 $500 $350

Model 1890 Takedown w/ Blue Finish - most commonly encountered Model 1890, post-1901 manufacture.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
N/A $2,750 $1,800 $1,100 $750 $600 $500 $400 $350 $300 $275 $235
Add 50% for .22 LR cal. (mfg circa 1919-1932, starting at ser. no. approx. 610,000).
.22 LR cal. accounted for approx. 10% of the total production on this model.
Deluxe model will bring premiums over values listed. There were also a limited amount of guns mfg. with stainless steel barrels which will add to values of post-1901 mfg.
The Model 1890 was Winchester's first slide action repeating rifle. It replaced the Model 1873 .22 cal. It was an excellent and inexpensive .22 rifle that rapidly became the universal firearm used in shooting galleries. Even though production reached approx. 849,000 units, most guns were heavily used and specimens existing today in 98%+ condition are rare. Check carefully for rebarreling (notice proofmarks on barrel). Mark

[Steelshooter]

Stainless steel in 1900?
Chuck

[Wayne Smith]

I read "post 1901" to mean 1901-1932. Anywhere in that range, admittedly most likely toward the end of it!

[Steelshooter]

I thought stainless steel rifle barrels were relatively new, like from the 1960's. Proof again that my wife is right, I don't know everything. Will have to look it up curiousity has gotten me.
Thanks
Chuck

[crazy mark]

I have seen it written staynless steel or something to that effect on early barrels.