A friend of mine has spotted one at an LGS. He was asking me about them,which I know nothing. I don't even remember ever seeing one!
Can someone tell me a little about these? I looked at them on GB,sure looks like an odd duck to me.
This one was an odd bird indeed - a single shot semiautomatic. From what I understand, it was introduced in 1957 and was based on a patent from the 1930s I think. There were only about 45,000 made in its brief production history, so obviously there wasn't much demand for it. I believe it fired from an open bolt and had several plastic parts that were prone to breakage. From what I understand, Outback Gun Parts has some replacement parts.
In spite of its rarity, values are low, roughly $200 or less.
The RF Model 55 was issued with only one plastic part, the loading door/gate - which can sometimes break (like any other part on any other gun), but isn't "prone to breakage".
I've shot one for decades, and a Grandson has been shooting another for the past 10 years, w/o a bobble or breakage.
As stated, Winchester thought of them as "boy's rifles", for beginners and/or young shooters - ergo the E-Z empty cartridge removal and automatic safety.
If the price is right, grab it. I guy a shoot with has one. The achilles heel is the plastic deflector on the receiver. Replacements are available however.
A odd one for sure . I got one at auction several years ago really cheap, folks in attendance thought it took a Magazine and assumed it was missing . I don't see them for sale often . If under 200 or so good price :t
I picked one up back at the end of September at a gun show. I'd only discover that a second, completely different Winchester Model 55 existed about six months before and wasn't really looking to acquire one as I had no burning desire for it. It only set me back $100; the exhibitor had been asking $125. I know him and trade regularly with him. I'm the overnight security at this show so sometimes make the "deals" before show opens.
It's in pretty nice condition. So far I've only given it an informal limited audition at the club range, but it functioned perfectly, with shorts, longs, standard and high velocity ammunition. Shot it offhand at small rocks, dirt clods, and small refuse other shooters had left on the range from about 40 yards and it really hit where it looked with CCI standard velocity Long Rifle. Since it fires from an open bolt, I expected the trigger to be dismal, but was pleasantly surprised to find the trigger quite livable.
Come on..its cool! Fires from an open bolt (think Tommy Gun), barrel is pinned for easy removal, ejects automatically out the bottom ( careful where your hand is or you might catch a hot casing). Just plain cool. And inexpensive. Whats not to like?
44
After reading this post, I looked at gunbroker for 55;s . There are 5 listed , none under 325 "buy it now " price. it looks to me they may be increasing in value :t
At a gun show this past weekend a friend I was with pointed out two model 55s at one booth. He remembers his dad teaching him to shoot with one when he was a small child. He stated that he caught many hot brass in his hand while shooting it.
One of the two was in very nice condition. I think it was priced at $375 if I remember right. JA
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