Winchester Self-Loading Model 1910

Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1910

Also known as: Model 1910 SL, Winchester 1910, 1910 Self-Loader

Overview

The Winchester Self-Loading Model 1910 was a heavier, more powerful evolution of the Model 1907 designed by T.C. Johnson. Chambered exclusively in the proprietary .401 Winchester Self-Loading cartridge, it was marketed as a hard-hitting medium-game rifle capable of taking moose and bear. Like its smaller siblings in the Self-Loading family, it operated on the simple blowback principle and fed from a 4-round detachable box magazine forward of the trigger guard.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3856 g (136.0 oz)
Overall Length980 mm (38.58")
Barrel Length508 mm (20.00")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity4 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity652 m/s (2139 fps)
Muzzle Energy2758 J (2034 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialNickel Steel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 20,786 · Production years: 1910-1936

Civilian sporting rifle; no significant military adoption.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Thomas Crossley Johnson

Discontinued: 1936

Notes

Total production was 20,786 rifles between 1910 and 1936, making it the rarest of the Winchester Self-Loading family. The .401 WSL cartridge offered ballistics roughly comparable to the modern .35 Remington but failed to attract a lasting following.

Background

The Model 1910 was Winchester's attempt to push their proprietary self-loading cartridge family into true big-game territory - but the heavy-recoiling .401 WSL was the end of the line. By the time production ceased in 1936, the more conventional .30-30 lever guns and bolt-action sporters had eclipsed Johnson's clever blowback designs entirely.