Winchester M1907 SLR

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

At long last I've found one!!!   

First year of production model in very good condition.

I've been lusting after one of these for a long time.  They fall on the far end of what most folks around here look for but it's an interesting rifle.

It was, by some accounts, the first auto loader that was both technologically and economically successful.  It was in production from 1907 to 1957.  It's size, power, and accuracy made it a favorite of both law enforcement and gangsters in the '30s.  It came in a "select fire" version and that version was squired by the U.S. Army Air Service in 1916 as the first automatic weapon carried in a U.S. military aircraft.  The French bought 2500 of the automatic versions.  The Russians placed a larger order but I don't think it was ever fulfilled as they pulled out of the War before production began.

Keeping with my general practice I took it to a local gunsmith who went over it, test fired it, and pronounced it sound.  He commented that it was in excellent condition and likely had been fired very little over its lifetime. 

I paid a bit more than I wanted, but it came with three factory Winchester five round magazines and an aftermarket ten round magazine.

Being "technologically challenged" I'm not always successful at adding photos here.  We'll try again and see what happens.   

G.

[Pitspitr]

Cool!
Have you Shared on the Zoot forum?

[Shamrock]

Can it be used for Expansion Era?

[Advertising]

[Drydock]

Yes!  It could be used as a "Militia" weapon. BUT! Under our rules it would be difficult, you'ld have to shoot it dry before movement.  

[Niederlander]

Is it a .351?  If so, start looking for .357 Maximum brass.  I can maybe be of some help with converting it to .351 brass.

[Bat 2919]

I've been using modified .357 Max in mine but the new thing that appears to be working for folks here locally is to use .223 brass.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Very nice rifle.

Slim

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.   

I've found a book on this model written by a man named Leonard Speckin from Michigan.  I've oredered it and will report back when I get it.

So far I've found five vendors of new production .351 Winchester.  I don't know how many makers that represents, as it looks like one or two are re-sellers and at least two are manufacturers.

I've also ordered two mags, a five round and ten round, from Triple-K.  There are at least two makers of aftermarket mags and Triple-K had the best comments.  Have not got them yet.  When I do, and if they are good, I'll get a couple more and retire the factory mags to the gun safe.

Now I've got to get busy on a scabbard for the horse!!!

G. 

[cpt dan blodgett]

I inherited a 1905 35 win sl from my father who got it from my mom's father who got it from an old sea captain who lived on and off with Gramps in the late 20s and 30s.

Rumor has it .357 bullets can be resized to .351 to shoot in these cool old guns.  Your .351 is to my 35 sl is like a 357 mag is to a .38.  Little longer case and a hotter load.  Probably heavier springs and maybe the inertial block is heavier