Winchester Model 53 Pictures Added--Careful--Gun Porn

[HEAD0001]

I am looking at a Winchester Model 53 in 25-20. I am still waiting on some new photos. The serial # is in the 8,000's. Yes-4 digits.

What should I specifically be looking for in this rifle. It has a tang sight. Would that have been factory installed??

Bluing condition is really good. That actually worries me a bit.

Just looking for any good information you guys can provide me about this rifle that I should look for or at. Is it a $1,000 rifle?? More or less?? What would make it worth more or less?? Thanks, Tom.

[pwl44m]

I have one that I picked up this fall. Mine is 25-20 also with a stainless steel barrel. Mine has the wrong stock on it and has hardly any blue.also has a bunch of extra holes on the left side of the recvr, probably had a scope at one time. The holes have blind screws in them.
The one U r considering could have original blue but how can U be sure.
Kirk will probably see this post and knows a heck of alot more than I do about 53s.

[M. M. Wright]

The tang sight could be factory installed and would be, I think, Lyman.

[Hobie]

We could tell if we could see it...

[HEAD0001]

I am very interested in purchasing this rifle. I just don't know how to value it. The owner mentioned it could have been produced in 1927. Thanks, Tom.

[HEAD0001]

[kimwcook]

Overall a pretty clean looking piece. Sorry, I can't help you on value.

[Pete44ru]

If it were mine, I'm pretty sure I would let loose of it at all, but if I DID, it sure wouldn't be for any less than $2K, and most likely more.

Over 5 years ago, I sold a Turnbull-restored .32-20 Model 92 made in 1907 with a button mag that made me think it was a Model 53 when I bought it - I got $2500 for it, then.

.

[Mike D.]

Nothing to worry about in that gun, it's as right as rain. The overall condition is 70%+, wood considered. The .25-20 is the most common caliber and the has the least collector interest, however, all 53s are well sought after. I would expect to pay close to $2Gs for a nice gun with the factory Lyman 1A tang sight that is marked "D" under the base.

[KirkD]

I am researching the Model 53 in preparation to writing some articles on it. As part of my research, I am building a database of surviving Model 53's. Right now I have 192 rifles in the database, counting this one. I've looked at a lot of Model 53's and have a couple myself. This one looks original and unmessed with. The blueing on these should be very dark, almost black, as this one is. Your particular Model 53 was serialized on May 6, 1926. It was probably assembled within a few weeks after that date. This one is in especially good condition. Many Model 53's I've seen have been re-blued or sanded and re-finished, essentially destroying their collectors value. MikeD's estimate sounds about right for a 25-20. A 44-40 in that condition would be worth a sight more, maybe closer to $3 G's. This past year, a 25-20 in about 98% condition sold at auction for over $6 G's. Typically, in auctions this past year, the Model 53's are commanding a higher price than the Model 65's in the same condition. There were a few more Model 53's made than Model 65's, but the Model 53's are older and in comparing the numbers of surviving Model 53's and 65's, there seems to be fewer Model 53's available.

The Model 53 was essentially the 'Extra Light' version of the Model 1892/92. Only a total of 15,118 were ever made so they are a rare gun to find. Production started in 1924. I have not yet found a barrel date later than 1930, so I am presuming that production did not last much past 1930, although a surplus in stock probably accounts for several years more of sales. About 46% of Model 53's were in 25-20, 40% in 32-20 and 14% in 44-40.

[jdad]

Yes sir! It's a fair deal, at $2k......unless it's from Cabela's or Leroy Merz. .......then it would be in the $4k range.

[bdhold]

thanks for the photos.

My buddy picked up a Remington 35 pump in 25-20, dated to the mid-20s. He had it at work today.

Thanks for the photos.

[Griff]

Congrats on your new gun Tom. You did buy it, right?

[Mike D.]

thanks for the photos.

My buddy picked up a Remington 35 pump in 25-20, dated to the mid-20s. He had it at work today.

Thanks for the photos.

Bulldog, I believe that you meant Model 25. I own one and they are excellent shooters.

[HEAD0001]

I contacted the fellow who was selling the rifle. And I told him the truth about his rifle. That it was worth more than he was asking. I was really looking for a shooter in the $700 to $800 range for a raccoon rifle. He said he would have accepted my $800 offer if I had not told him the real value of the rifle. I would liked to have had it for a super low price, but it is not in my nature to lie to people. So I felt I neded to tell him the real value and let the chips fall where they may. Tom.

[Griff]

You's a good man, Tom. I was in Fairmont a coupla weeks ago... tried to PM ya. But you musta been busy. Next time!

[Ysabel Kid]

Straight-stocked Model 53... so cool!

[olyinaz]

I contacted the fellow who was selling the rifle. And I told him the truth about his rifle. That it was worth more than he was asking. I was really looking for a shooter in the $700 to $800 range for a raccoon rifle. He said he would have accepted my $800 offer if I had not told him the real value of the rifle. I would liked to have had it for a super low price, but it is not in my nature to lie to people. So I felt I neded to tell him the real value and let the chips fall where they may. Tom.

Good on ya!

Best,
Oly

[Pete44ru]

I'm proud to hear of the way you treated that seller, Tom - you're a stand-up guy !

Good things happen to good people - don't worry, something else, as good or better, will come along.

.

[bdhold]

thanks for the photos.

My buddy picked up a Remington 35 pump in 25-20, dated to the mid-20s. He had it at work today.

Thanks for the photos.

Bulldog, I believe that you meant Model 25. I own one and they are excellent shooters.

yep, fat fingers.
really excellent condition, 99% blue