Outdoor Canada’s gun guy appraises reader firearms—and tells it like it is

Hello, I’m wondering if you could tell me what my old .22 rifle (above) is worth. I’m thinking about selling it, but I’m not exactly sure what it’s worth. I could sure use an expert’s opinion. It’s a Winchester Model 06 pump-action .22. My grandfather collects rifles, and he gave it to me when I was a kid. I’m not exactly sure what the story is behind it. Would you be able to tell me what it’s worth? Any information would be much appreciated.

JESSE SHOEMAKER

FORT MACLEOD, ALBERTA

The Model 1906, or 06 as it was called after about 1918, was a well-designed, well-made and very popular .22 rifle. The model was officially in production from 1906 to 1932, with 727353 being the last serial number recorded in 1932. From 1932 to around 1937, Winchester assembled quite a few more after a parts clean-up at the factory; this was the Depression era, and nothing was allowed to go to waste. Your rifle would have been made in that era. The final total production is estimated at 848,000 rifles.

The Model 06 is a collectible, but its value is highly dependent on its condition. An 06 in 98 per cent of its original condition can easily bring US$3,500 or more at an auction, so owners sometimes don’t understand why their 06 might be worth only a couple of hundred dollars. The reason is there are very few examples in 98 per cent of their original condition, perhaps only 50 to a couple of hundred. On the other hand, there are hundreds of thousands of these rifles with 50 per cent or less remaining of the original finish. Then as now, people bought rifles to use, and most 06s have seen a lot of use over the decades.

From the good series of photos you provided, it seems your rifle is complete and functional. I don’t see a lot of the original finish, however, and there is some light surface rust, a couple of screw heads are a bit twisted and the plastic butt plate is broken. At auction, I would expect it to bring in between $250 and $500. I know this is rather a large range, but it really depends on the buyer, as people can honestly disagree on condition. And, of course, it depends on how badly the buyer wants it. A collector trying to put together a group of Winchester 1890, 1906 and Model 62 exposed-hammer .22s might buy it as a place-holder while looking for another one in better condition.