Winchester Model 74
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1939
Also known as: Winchester 74, Model 74 Self-Loading Rifle
Overview
The Winchester Model 74 is an American blowback-operated, self-loading .22 rimfire rifle produced from 1939 to 1955. A no-frills Depression-era plinking and small-game rifle, it fed from a tubular magazine housed inside the buttstock and was offered in .22 Short and .22 Long Rifle. During World War II a small number were fitted with scopes and sound moderators and supplied to Britain's Auxiliary Units under Lend-Lease.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2860 g (100.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 140 J (103 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 14-Round .22 LR Buttstock Tube Magazine, 20-Round .22 Short Buttstock Tube Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross-Bolt Safety
- Features: Blowback Self-Loading Action, Tubular Magazine Housed In The Buttstock, One-Piece Walnut Stock, Takedown Construction, Open Rear Sight And Bead Front Sight
Production
Estimated total produced: 406,574 · Production years: 1939-1955
Introduced in .22 Short in 1939; .22 Long Rifle added in 1940; .22 Short discontinued in 1952.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1955
Notes
Approximately 406,574 were produced. The tube magazine held 20 rounds of .22 Short or 14 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. The .22 Short chambering was dropped in 1952.
Background
About 600 Model 74s crossed the Atlantic as Lend-Lease guns, many fitted by the British with Parker-Hale sound moderators and scopes for issue to the secret Auxiliary Units who were to harass a German invasion of Britain.