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Win. Model 1903 calibers??

oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
Anyone know if the 1903 ever existed in .22 LR? I used one as a kid, and would love to own one, have seen a few on the auction, but they're all .22 auto cal. Don't remember what the one I used was. I'd be willing to bid if ammo was available, but the best I've found for .22 autos is $75.00 for a box of fifty. I'm a shooter, and that isn't practical. Anyone help?

There are no bad guns, only bad people.
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Comments

  • MFIMFI Member Posts: 7,899 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This gun was not chambered in .22LR

    "I saw that at Walmart for $5.00 less"
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  • wundudneewundudnee Member Posts: 6,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    All 1903's were chambered for 22 auto only. The later model 63 that replaced the 1903 was chambered for 22 super speed or 22 super X shells only. the 63's are getting pretty pricey, but they are a very nice gun to shoot. I have heard that either Taurus or Rossi is making a reproduction of the model 63. I don't know prices or availability. At a glance the 63 mirrors the appearance of the 1903 except it has a pistol grip stock instead of the straight stock.

    ....................
    AD ASTRA PER ASPERA

    To the stars through difficulties
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  • Dom De LorenzoDom De Lorenzo Member Posts: 18 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The info. provided by Wundudnee is correct. The '03 has a 20" tube and the 63 a 22". I have 2 bricks of 22 auto for my '03 that I picked up for it in the 80's and can't force myself to shoot them off!
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  • BT99BT99 Member Posts: 1,043 ✭
    edited November -1
    The Old Western Scrounger has 22 auto for $12.95 a box of 50.
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  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys..I'll go slow and look into the model 63, but I could live with $12.95 per box, so maybe I'll give that some thought also.

    There are no bad guns, only bad people.
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  • Dom De LorenzoDom De Lorenzo Member Posts: 18 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Oldgunner,
    I'd hold out for the '63. You'd pay for it in ammo sooner or later. Also, the '03 is not as desirable, from what I can tell, as the '63 from a collectors standpoint. Though I wouldn't trade my Grandfather's 'O3 for anything, I do wish it was a '63.
    As a note, the '03 that I have has an optional tang mounted peep sight along with a unique front site that pivots with a circle having an X within it.
    Have never seen another like it!
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  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just an update..A bit embarrassing, but the story of my life.
    I went for the 63, found one locally in like new condition, talked it down from $600 to $575 and bought it. Yesterday I found one on GB that looked as nice in the pics. Went for $425..Oh well, I'm happy, and I guess that's what counts.

    There are no bad guns, only bad people.
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  • wundudneewundudnee Member Posts: 6,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    oldgunner,
    Take care of that gun and you won't lose any money on it. I have a 63 made in 1953 that is factory scoped with a 3x9 redfield scope. The gun doesn't have dove tail cuts for metallic sights in the barrel. It probably rates 99% plus. It is one of my favorite 22's.

    wundudnee

    ....................
    AD ASTRA PER ASPERA

    To the stars through difficulties
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  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks wundudnee. I'll definitely take good care of it. It's a beauty!

    There are no bad guns, only bad people.
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  • joeaf1911a1joeaf1911a1 Member Posts: 2,962 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Please correct me if I am wrong. I read that the 03 Winc. autoloader
    was chambered for a special round just so old corrosive or black
    powder .22 L.R. could not be used. Many old .22 barrels were made
    near useless from corrosion unless really cleaned properly. The
    .22 auto round, a smokeless powder round and "possibly not" corrosive
    to that extent. Just looked it up and it is in "Cartridges
    of the World" by Frank C. Barnes. Also he states the black powder
    and semi-smokeless gummed up the actions. The reason for a "new"
    round for the autoloader. ( I hope the priming was less corrosive,
    or non corrosive than the others)
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