At long last...the Winchester M-1 project is complete. Winchester M-1's are loved by collectors because
relatively few of them were made, and they have some different characteristics compared to Springfield
Armory M-1's. It took awhile to assemble all the Winchester parts. They came from a variety of sources.
The receiver is from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. This Winchester M-1 is not for the collector
though...she's a shooter! She's got a brand new Wilson match-grade barrel and a brand new stock set
from Wenig. The wood was so beautiful I couldn't resist finishing it with a deep oil finish that's pretty glossy
and really turns this rifle into a showpiece. The operating rod was completely overhauled....it was sent
away to be checked for straightness, have a new piston installed, and it also had some worn areas rebuilt
and remachined. In effect, this rare Winchester op-rod is now brand new, and ready for another 60 years
of service. (Notice the slant on the side of the op-rod by the handle...this is one of the characteristics that
are unique to the Winchester M-1's.) Of course, this M-1 was very carefully assembled, and there are a
bunch of NOS parts on it as well. This rifle should prove to be a great shooter. I really pulled out the stops
on this one, and I think there'll be a happy customer somewhere down the line that will be proud to show
off this rifle at a local Service Rifle match.
So...enjoy the pics. I'll be taking the rifle for a test drive tomorrow to makes sure she's all 100%, and
then she'll be up for sale on Live To Shoot.
