POTD: Desirable First Year Winchester Model 74 22 Short

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Winchester Model 74, introduced in 1939, is a unique self-loading rimfire rifle. It features an 8.5-inch steel tube receiver housing a blowback-operated bolt and a tubular magazine in the buttstock. Unlike other vintage semiautomatic rimfire rifles, the Model 74 allows for easy bolt removal and rear cleaning. Its distinctive squared-off rear action resembles the classic Browning Auto-5 shotgun’s “humpback” appearance. The safety is a flat, knurl-ended cross-bolt dovetailed into the receiver’s top, while the ergonomic charging handle sits in a slot at the left rear of the action, conveniently positioned above the trigger for right-handed shooters.

“Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 74

Type: Rifle

Gauge: 22 short

Barrel: 24 inch round

Finish: blue

Stock: walnut

This rifle was manufactured in 1939 and has the standard Winchester markings and is equipped with a beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable sporting rear sight. It is fitted with a pistol grip stock. The tube magazine is fitted through the buttplate. The rifle comes in an original Winchester Model 74 box numbered to another gun.”

Lot 1446: Winchester 74 Rifle 22 short – Desirable First Year Winchester Model 74 22 Short Only Semi-Automatic Rifle with Box. (n.d.-w). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved July 12, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/65/1446/winchester-74-rifle-22-short.

Sam.S

Writer | TheFirearmBlog Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.