Winchester Model 1903 | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designer | T. C. Johnson |
Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms Company |
Produced | 1903 to 1932 |
No. built | 126,000 |
Variants | 'Plain' and 'Fancy Finish' rifles |
Specifications | |
Mass | 6 lb (2.7 kg) to 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
Length | 37 in (940 mm) |
Barrel length | 20 in (510 mm) |
Cartridge | .22 Winchester Automatic |
Action | Blowback |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Feed system | 10-round tube magazine |
Sights | Open iron sights and optional tang or receiver-mountedaperture sights |
The Winchester Model 1903 was the first commercially available semi-automatic firearm made by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
Model 63 In 1933, Winchester attempted to solve the problem of having to use a special.22-caliber cartridge to operate the blowback system. It is a very high quality semi-automatic rifle. What is the significance of the letter 'A' in a Model 63's serial number? On this particular model 63 the two serial numbers (bbl and reciever)all. The model 63 had the A added after the serial # around 1935 and is encountered after (approximate) serial numbers above 18000. The 'A' does not in this instance mean that it was a duplicate serial number, but rather a minor parts or design change. Was discontinued about 1941 or serial number range of 50000. The winchester model 21 shotgun – Most Final Inspection Reports are available from Serial Number 23 to 36373. Order Sheet information is available for many Model 21s for an additional fee. Order Sheets are available November 1938 production and later. Model 21 records are incomplete. Not all serial numbers have records. The serial number is located on the bottom of the forward receiver/frame assembly (barrel half of the rifle) toward the front (see Figure 3). Record the serial number at the front of this book for future reference. Ammunition_ The caliber of your Model 63 is inscribed on.
History[edit]
The Winchester Model 1903 was designed by T.C. Johnson, who had joined Winchester in 1885 and had become nationally known as an inventor of successful rifles. It was first chambered for the .22 Winchester Automatic cartridge.
In 1919, the Model 1903 moniker was shortened to Model 03, and following a partial redesign in the 1930s, was renamed the Model 63. In addition to other changes, the model fired the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. This cartridge was more popular than the .22 Winchester Automatic cartridge, and was demanded by customers.
The Model 63 was first available for purchase in 1933 and remained in production until 1958.
Production totaled approximately 126,000 Model 1903 rifles and approximately 175,000 Model 63 rifles.[1]
Design and Features[edit]
The Model 1903/Model 63 featured a 20-inch (510 mm) round barrel. A 23-inch (580 mm) barrel was approved for manufacturing in 1933, and the 20-inch (510 mm) barrel was discontinued in 1936.
The Model 1903/Model 63 had a tubular magazine in the butt stock. The magazine held ten cartridges, and was loaded through a slot in the right side of the butt stock.[2]
The Model 1903 and Model 63 were takedown rifles. The takedown mechanism on the Model 1903 required the user to press the takedown screw-lock down through a slot in the tang to release the lock from the ratchet. The Model 63 featured an improved mechanism that required the user to simply turn the takedown screw to the left until the mechanism released.[3]
The self-loading feature of the Model 1903/Model 63 was accomplished by use of a simple blow-back operated mechanism. This mechanism featured a balanced breech bolt, meaning that the breech bolt contained a quantity of metal proportioned to the weight and velocity of the bullet. This balances the recoil forces so that the breech bolt does not move rearward until the bullet has left the muzzle of the barrel, and therefore allows the bullet to be fired with no loss of energy. The original design of this self-loading mechanism required Winchester to design a custom cartridge (the .22 Winchester Automatic) to go along with it. This mechanism was redesigned for the Model 63 to allow it to fire the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, which by then had become much more popular.
The Model 1903 was advertised as an 'automatic rifle'. In modern times, it is more appropriately referred to as a semi-automatic rifle since the loading mechanism required the trigger to be pulled for each shot.
Variants[edit]
The Model 1903 was available in a 'standard' and a 'deluxe' version (also called 'plain' and 'fancy' versions). The standard version had a plain walnut stock with a plan straight grip. The deluxe version had a checkered walnut pistol grip stock with a checkered forearm. A tubular magazine located in the buttstock held ten cartridges.[4]
The first 5000 rifles were produced without a safety mechanism. After this, a cross-bolt safety was added.[5]
The Model 63, introduced in 1933, was chambered for the popular and widely available .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It was initially made with a 20' barrel, then with a 23' barrel from 1936 until the end of production in 1958. About 175,000 Model 63 rifles were manufactured, with the last 10,000 having grooved receiver tops for scope mounting.
References[edit]
- ^'The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1992' By Thomas Henshaw
- ^'Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms' By Joseph Madden Cornell, Paul Goodwin, 2007
- ^'The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1992' By Thomas Henshaw
- ^'Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms' By Joseph Madden Cornell, Paul Goodwin, 2007
- ^http://aaa-webs.com/aaa/webs/homestead/courses/1903/1903-History.htm Retrieved 2010-12-6
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Winchester_Model_1903&oldid=866728706'
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WACA Member
Member Since:
August 19, 2018
August 19, 2018
I just picked up my first winchester 63. After getting it home and doing a bit research I believe I have an interesting piece. It has a grooved receiver and the serial number is 1764xx. This is the highest number I can find in any record. It is all original. No refinish. I don't quite see how to attach pics. As soon as I figure it out I'll post 'em. Thanks
Kingston, WA
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
April 15, 2005
As a non WACA member, you do not have the ability to directly upload pictures to the WACA website. You can post a link to your pictures posted elsewhere.
The serial number on your rifle is approximately 1,800 digits higher than what I would expect.
Bert
WACA Member
Member Since:
August 19, 2018
August 19, 2018
Just rectified that issue! I'm looking forward to the added benefits of full membership! I'll try to add a couple of pics in a few minutes.
WACA Member
Member Since:
August 19, 2018
August 19, 2018
- 20180818_182950.jpg(2 MB)
- 20180818_183021.jpg(1 MB)
Kingston, WA
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
April 15, 2005
[email protected] said
Just rectified that issue! I'm looking forward to the added benefits of full membership! I'll try to add a couple of pics in a few minutes.
Just rectified that issue! I'm looking forward to the added benefits of full membership! I'll try to add a couple of pics in a few minutes.
Welcome to the WACA, and thanks for becoming a member!
You may be able to determine the date of manufacture by contacting Pauline Muerrle - http://paulinemuerrle.com/factory-engraving-records/
Bert
WACA Member
Member Since:
November 8, 2011
November 8, 2011
What is the highest recorded model 63 serial number?
WACA Member
Member Since:
July 21, 2010
July 21, 2010
sb said
What is the highest recorded model 63 serial number?
What is the highest recorded model 63 serial number?
The highest that I've noted is 176718: Lot # 1225 @ Julia in October 2016.
WACA Member
![Winchester Model 63 Serial Number Winchester Model 63 Serial Number](https://p1.gunbroker.com/pics/795629000/795629179/thumb.jpg)
Member Since:
November 8, 2011
November 8, 2011
I have one in the 176600's and I was hoping it was the last one made ?
Winchester Model 63 Serial Number Lookup
WACA Member
Member Since:
August 19, 2018
August 19, 2018
Bert H. said
[email protected] said
Just rectified that issue! I'm looking forward to the added benefits of full membership! I'll try to add a couple of pics in a few minutes.
Just rectified that issue! I'm looking forward to the added benefits of full membership! I'll try to add a couple of pics in a few minutes.
Welcome to the WACA, and thanks for becoming a member!
You may be able to determine the date of manufacture by contacting Pauline Muerrle - http://paulinemuerrle.com/factory-engraving-records/
Bert
I got my letter from Pauline. Apparently production of 63's stretched into 1959. Mine was serial numbered January 16 1959. Pretty cool stuff.
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