Winchester Model 1890 Serial Numbers: What You Need to Know

When it comes to identifying Winchester rifles, serial numbers can be a crucial factor in determining the model and year of manufacture. However, sometimes things may not be as clear-cut as they seem. In this article, we'll explore the complexities of Winchester Model 1890 serial numbers and what you need to know.

Serial Number Confusion

One common issue that arises is when a rifle's serial number appears to match one model, but its physical characteristics suggest it belongs to another. A recent example of this was shared by a reader who discovered that his receiver was labeled as a Model 1906, despite its resemblance to a Winchester Model 1890.

Upon further inspection, the reader noticed several key differences between his rifle and traditional Model 1906 rifles. The rear sight, tubular feed, and plain slide handle all pointed towards a Model 1890, rather than a Model 1906. However, the serial number indicated otherwise.

The Truth Behind the Serial Number

So what explains this discrepancy? According to Winchester's manufacturing history, the company changed its receiver design for the Model 1906 in 1908 to accommodate new features such as the S, L, and LR models. During this transition period, the letter 'B' was added to the serial number on the receiver to differentiate it from earlier Model 1890 receivers.

This means that if your rifle has a serial number with the letter 'B' beneath the number, it's likely a Model 1906 receiver rather than a Model 1890. However, it's possible that some early Model 1906 rifles were equipped with Model 1890 barrels or butt stocks, which can further complicate identification.

When dealing with Winchester Model 1890 serial numbers, it's essential to consider multiple factors beyond just the serial number itself. Keep in mind that the letter 'B' added to the receiver serial number in 1908 indicates a change to the Model 1906 design, and that early Model 1906 rifles may have shared parts with earlier models.

Remember, identifying a Winchester rifle requires a combination of knowledge about its history, serial numbers, and physical characteristics. By taking these factors into account, you'll be better equipped to determine whether your rifle is a genuine Model 1890 or something else entirely.

Winchester model 1890 serial numbers