Model 1890 was the first slide-action rifle ever produced by Winchester. Designed by John and Matthew Browning. Chambered for .22 Short, Long and Winchester Rimfire cartridges (WRF cartridge was developed by Winchester specifically for Model 1890) not on an interchangeable basis. In 1919, .22 LR cartridge was offered as well. This rifle was slide-action top ejecting, with an 18" under barrel magazine tube. All Model 1890s were furnished standard with plain walnut straight stocks, with crescent buttplate and 12-groove slide handle. One of Winchester's best selling small caliber firearms and in worldwide use. Winchester offered many extra-cost options for this rifle that will greatly affect value. Secure an expert appraisal before proceeding. Produced from 1890 to 1932, with ap­proximately 775,000 guns sold.

Model 1890 came in three separate and distinct variations that greatly affect value:
1. First Model: solid-frame; 24" octagon barrel; case-hardened frame; fixed rear sight. Approximately 15,552 First Model guns produced. Their distinctive feature is concealed locking lugs and solid-frame. Serial numbered on lower tang only. Built from 1890 to 1892.
2. Second Model (Take-down): 24" octagon barrel; case-hard­ened frame; adjustable rear sight. Serial numbered from 15553 to 112970 (on lower tang only). These Second Model guns feature same concealed locking lugs, with added take-down feature. A Deluxe version was of­fered, with fancy walnut checkered straight-/pistol-grip stock and grooved slide handle.
2A. Second Model (Blued Frame Variation): same as above, with blued frame. Serial numbered from 112971 to 325250 (on lower tang until 232328, then on bottom front end of receiver). These blued frame Second Models are much more numerous than case-hardened variety. A Deluxe version was offered, with fancy walnut checkered straight-/pistol-grip stock and grooved slide handle.
3. Third Model (Take-down): 24" octagon barrel; blued frame; adjustable rear sight. Serial numbered from 325251 to as high as 853000 (numbered on both lower tang and bot­tom front of receiver). Distinctive feature of Third Model is locking cut made on the front top of receiver to allow breech-bolt to lock externally. A Deluxe version was offered, with fancy walnut checkered stock, straight-/pistol-grip with grooved slide handle.

NOTE: Add 25 percent premium for Third Models chambered for .22 LR.