Origins and Invention of the Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 Rifles
The Winchester Model 1890, renamed the Model 90 in 1919, is the best known pump-action .22 rifle ever produced. Designed by the notable John Moses Browning, it set the standard for small-caliber repeaters, offering accuracy, reliability, and durability that kept it in production for forty-two years. Its widespread use in hunting, target shooting, and even carnival shooting galleries cemented its reputation as one of the finest rimfire rifles ever built.
This article explores the origins, design, production history, competitive landscape, and lasting legacy of the Winchester Model 1890 and the Model 90 it became. We also examine its technical specifications, caliber offerings, and collector value, ensuring a complete resource for enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike.
Winchester Repeating Arms and the Birth of the Model 1890
Founded in 1866 by Oliver Winchester, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company became one of the most influential firearm manufacturers in American history. By the late 19th century, the company had firmly established itself as a leader in lever-action rifles, thanks in large part to the brilliant designs of John Moses Browning.
Under the leadership of Thomas Gray Bennett, Winchester sought to expand into the growing market for small-caliber, repeating rifles. While single-shot .22 rifles were common at the time, pump-action designs were relatively new. Winchester recognized the opportunity to introduce a reliable, fast-firing .22 rifle suitable for target shooting, small-game hunting, and general utility use.
Browning, already known for his lever-action designs, developed a pump-action repeating rifle specifically for rimfire cartridges. Winchester quickly acquired the patent, refining the design into what would become the Model 1890.
Design and Innovations of the Model 1890
The Winchester Model 1890 introduced several key innovations that set it apart from competing designs:
- Solid Frame Construction: Unlike later pump-action rifles with takedown designs, the earliest Model 1890s featured a solid one-piece frame, improving accuracy and durability.
- Caliber-Specific Barrels: Each Model 1890 was chambered for a specific .22 rimfire cartridge (.22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 WRF at first, with .22 Long Rifle added in 1919). Unlike later designs, they could not interchangeably fire different .22 rounds.
- Pump-Action Mechanism: The tubular magazine and slide action provided rapid follow-up shots, making it one of the fastest-cycling small-caliber rifles of its time.
- Octagonal and Round Barrels: Early models were primarily offered with octagonal barrels, while later versions could be found with round barrels, particularly in the Model 90 variation.
- Improved Ergonomics: The straight-grip stock, crescent-shaped steel buttplate, and checkered forearm provided excellent handling characteristics.
Production History and Variations
First Model (1890-1892)
- Solid frame construction (non-takedown)
- Offered from the start in .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 WRF, with each barrel chambered for one cartridge only.
- Octagonal barrels were standard.
- Serial numbers: 1 – approximately 15,500
Second Model (1892-1908)
- Introduced the takedown feature, allowing easier cleaning and transport.
- Available in .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 WRF. The .22 Long Rifle was not a catalogued chambering for this rifle until 1919.
- Production expanded significantly, making this one of the most common versions.
- Serial numbers: 15,500 – approximately 325,000
Third Model (1908-1932) – Winchester Model 90
- Further refinements to mechanics and materials.
- Renamed the Winchester Model 90 in 1919, at roughly serial number 640,000, when Winchester dropped the “18” prefix from its model numbers. The rifle itself did not change.
- Chambered in .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 WRF, with .22 Long Rifle added as a catalogued option in 1919. Only about a tenth of total production was .22 Long Rifle.
- Distinguished by minor design updates and slight action improvements.
- Serial numbers: approximately 325,000 to the end of production near 849,000
Factory Production and Manufacturing Details
The Winchester Model 1890 was manufactured at Winchester’s New Haven, Connecticut factory, which was one of the largest and most advanced firearm production facilities of its time. The factory’s efficient machining processes and high-quality steel alloys contributed to the rifle’s notable reliability and accuracy.
Production Numbers:
- Total production: Approximately 849,000 rifles between 1890 and 1932, with the last of the stock on hand sold off by 1941.
- One rifle, two names: The Model 90 is the Model 1890 after the 1919 renaming, not a separate product. Both names share a single serial sequence and a single production total.
- Standing: A run of that size over forty-two years made it one of the most successful pump-action rifles in history.
Comparison to Competitors
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Winchester faced competition from Marlin, Remington, and Savage, each offering their own pump-action rifles:
| Manufacturer | Model | Year Introduced | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlin Firearms | Model 1892 | 1892 | Similar action, but less successful than the Model 1890 |
| Marlin Firearms | Model 20 | 1907 | Direct competitor, but lacked Winchester’s market penetration |
| Remington Arms | Model 12 | 1909 | Concealed hammer design, smoother action |
| Savage Arms | Model 1903 | 1903 | Unique magazine-fed system, but never matched Winchester in sales |
Despite stiff competition, Winchester dominated the market, thanks to its reputation for quality, extensive distribution network, and the widespread use of the Model 1890 in shooting galleries and hunting circles.
Replacement Models and Evolution
By the early 20th century, firearm technology had evolved, and Winchester sought to modernize its pump-action rifle lineup. The Model 1906 arrived as a cheaper companion while the Model 1890 stayed in production; the Models 61 and 62, both introduced in 1932, are the rifles that actually replaced it:
Winchester Model 1906
- A more affordable version of the Model 1890, designed for younger shooters.
- Chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR interchangeably.
Winchester Model 61 (1932)
- Introduced a sleeker design with an internal hammer.
- Capable of firing multiple .22 rimfire rounds, unlike the caliber-specific Model 1890.
Winchester Model 62 (1932)
- Direct replacement for the Model 1890/90, featuring a simplified takedown mechanism.
- Remained in production until 1958.
Legacy and Collector Value
The Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 remain highly collectible today, with certain variations commanding premium prices among firearms enthusiasts. Collectors value:
- First Model solid-frame rifles (especially in original condition)
- High-grade models with factory checkered stocks
- Scarcer chamberings, particularly .22 Long Rifle, which accounts for only about a tenth of production
- Special-order configurations (e.g., longer barrels, engraving, deluxe wood finishes)
Today, these rifles are regarded as pinnacles of American craftsmanship, with many still functioning flawlessly over a century after their production.
Conclusion: A Lasting Mark on Firearms History
The Winchester Model 1890 and Model 90 were far more than just firearms—they were symbols of American ingenuity and superior firearm design. Created from the brilliant mind of John Moses Browning and backed by Winchester’s world-class manufacturing, these rifles became the benchmark for pump-action .22 repeaters.
Their popularity in shooting galleries, hunting fields, and collectors’ circles ensures their legacy will endure for generations. With roughly 849,000 produced, the Model 1890, and the Model 90 it became, remain a cornerstone of Winchester’s storied history, holding a place among the greatest rimfire rifles ever made.
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