Winchester Model 07 1907 Self Loading SL .351 WSL Semi-Auto Rifle 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525
WOA#: WY240119MS002
Make: Winchester
Model: 07 (previously 1907)
Serial Number: 57738
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1957
Caliber: .351 Winchester Self Loading (.351 W.S.L.)
Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic with 5-Round Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN.U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, and “MODEL 07 – 351 CAL.-“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof mark. The left receiver flat is marked “57738” at the bottom-rear, the bottom-left shoulder of the trigger portion of the receiver is marked “57738” above the trigger.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetail set to a base on the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notched elevator sight dovetailed into the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with flat-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, capped forend, smooth steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stocks have a few scattered minor marks. There is some thinning finish at the heel. The LOP measures 13.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some compression lines throughout. There is a notable scratch on the left side of the buttstock at the buttplate. The bottom left of the forend has a thin hairline crack 2” in length. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition considering the crack and would rate in Excellent condition without.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two 5rd, One 10rd, One 15rd magazines. All of the magazines rate in Excellent condition except for one 5rd magazine that exhibits erosion and insertion wear. The 5rd magazines are marked “-.351 CAL.-”.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is some minor thinning on some of the leading edges and on top of the barrel along with a few small nicks and scratches on the receiver. The action shows faint operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of 4 magazines and its attached tan canvas sling in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1907 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company beginning in 1907 with production ending in 1936. It is fed from a 5 round capacity, detachable box magazine located immediately forward of the trigger guard. The only cartridge offered by Winchester as a factory chambering in the Model 1907 was the .351 S.L., pushing a 180 gr. bullet out of the barrel at about 1850 fps., more than twice the energy of a modern .357 Magnum shot out of a pistol. The Model 1907 followed the semi-automatic models 1903 (rimfire) and 1905 (.32 or .35 Win), preceding the model 1910 (.401 Win.), all designed by Thomas Johnson, a key designer for Winchester who also designed the Model 12 shotgun. France ordered 2,800 of these rifles from Winchester during WWI and would modify them to fire fully automatically and equip their troops with larger magazines for trench raiding. This example was made in Ca. 1957, one of the last 1,000 of this model produced. It shows the improved features found in later rifles. The stocks are much thicker than the early examples which were well known to develop severe cracks with normal use. The charging plunger has had a finger-groove tip installed, which anyone who has operated the earlier smooth, round plungers will immediately recognize as a needed improvement. The magazine release tab is larger and serrated. Rounding out the updates is a sturdy checkered steel buttplate and a set of sling swivels. This example is in absolutely Excellent condition, showing signs of very little use and responsible storage. This is an outstanding example of an early Winchester semi-auto rifle design which should be of interest to any Winchester collector. With its great bore, if it isn’t gobbled up by collectors, it will make a nice camp rifle that would be excellent against predators and deer. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
