Introduction
For over a century, the name Winchester has been synonymous with firearms, particularly rifles. Among the many legendary models that have borne the Winchester name, the Model 90 and its earlier counterpart, the Model 1890, hold a special place. These rifles, both pump-action marvels designed by the brilliant John Browning, represent a significant era in American firearms history. They were innovative, reliable, and hugely popular, shaping the landscape of shooting sports and self-defense. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive comparison, contrasting these two iconic rifles, highlighting their key distinctions and the shared features that made them so successful. We will explore their historical context, design elements, performance characteristics, and ultimately, their lasting legacy and appeal to collectors and shooting enthusiasts alike.
A Look Back: Historical Roots
The late nineteenth century was a time of rapid innovation and development, and this extended to the world of firearms. The need for a faster and more efficient repeating rifle was becoming increasingly evident. The lever-action rifles of the day were a good start, but a mechanism that offered a quicker rate of fire and simpler operation would have a significant impact. This led to the creation of many innovative designs, including the pump-action, which was pioneered by John Browning.
John Browning, an American firearms designer of unparalleled genius, took up the challenge and began designing a new rifle for Winchester. His design incorporated a manually operated pump-action, which significantly enhanced the rate of fire. This design was revolutionary, giving rise to the Winchester Model 1890. Initially chambered for the relatively less powerful .22 Short cartridge, this rifle quickly gained popularity for its ease of use and reliability.
Winchester Repeating Arms Company, a major player in the firearms industry, saw the potential in Browning’s design. They quickly realized the need for a repeater to enhance the effectiveness of shooters in the era. The company was quick to embrace the 1890 as a significant addition to its product line.
The Model 1890 was an immediate success. Its pump-action mechanism was easier to operate than lever-actions. It was accurate, reliable, and quickly became a favorite among target shooters, plinkers, and even game hunters. The popularity of the Model 1890 solidified Winchester’s dominance in the firearms market.
Delving into the Design: Unveiling the Winchester 1890
The Winchester Model 1890 exemplifies the beauty of a pump-action design. This mechanism is at the heart of the rifle’s operation. Pulling the fore-end backward ejects the spent casing, cocks the hammer, and then, pushing it forward chambers a fresh round from the tubular magazine under the barrel.
The original chambering for the Model 1890 was .22 Short. This smaller cartridge was suitable for indoor ranges or smaller game. However, as the popularity of the Model 1890 grew, Winchester wisely offered the rifle in other chamberings. In later production runs, Winchester introduced models in .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, and the more powerful .22 Winchester Rimfire (WRF) caliber. These expanded chambering options greatly increased the utility of the Model 1890.
The Model 1890 typically features a barrel of varying lengths, from inches, which provided a balance between accuracy and maneuverability. The sights varied over the years and configurations. They typically included a blade or bead front sight and a simple notch rear sight. Some rifles may have also come with optional upgrades.
The stock and furniture of the Model 1890, along with the subsequent Model 90, can be found in various styles. A straight grip or a pistol grip could be chosen. The wood stocks were typically made of walnut, but some variations were also manufactured using other woods. Different finishes, ranging from oil to varnish, were applied to protect the wood.
The receiver of the Model 1890 was made from steel. The receiver houses the working parts of the pump-action mechanism. The receiver often had markings indicating the Winchester logo, the model designation, and patent dates. These markings help enthusiasts to identify the rifle’s history and production details.
Understanding the Details: Unveiling the Winchester Model 90
The Winchester Model 90 and the Model 1890 share a very similar design. They both utilize a pump-action mechanism that is almost identical to the 1890. The movement of the fore-end controls the cycling of the action. This smooth, efficient, and user-friendly mechanism set these rifles apart from other competing rifles.
The Model 90 offered the same chambering options as the 1890. The initial offering in .22 Short was very successful. The popularity led to expanded options to cater to diverse needs. .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, and .22 WRF rounds added more versatility, especially among shooters looking for larger game hunting options.
The barrel length and sights mirror those found in the Model 1890. The barrels were in different lengths, catering to different shooting styles and preferences. The front sights typically included blade or bead, while rear sights were of the notch design.
The Model 90 also used walnut stocks in a variety of patterns with a straight grip and a pistol grip. The finishes varied as well, to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
The receiver’s steel construction and markings were similar to the 1890. The receiver was often stamped with Winchester markings, model designation, and patent information.
Finding the Differences
The most obvious difference between the Winchester Model 90 and Model 1890 lies in their model designation. While the two names may seem very similar, there is one important difference. The 1890 was named based on the year of its design, and later Winchester decided to change the model designation. The Model 90 was intended to be the same as the 1890 but with a different name.
The Winchester Model 90 was introduced later, after the original Model 1890 had been in production for a number of years. Winchester started offering the Model 90 to take the place of the Model 1890, so the model number was updated.
There were minimal mechanical changes. Winchester engineers did make slight adjustments during the production lifetime of each model, but these changes were largely cosmetic or related to manufacturing improvements.
The variations in both the Model 1890 and Winchester Model 90 are factors that impact their value today. The model is very popular with collectors and enthusiasts. The original models that are in good condition sell at a premium. Rarer chambering options, such as the .22 WRF, command a higher price due to scarcity. Condition is always a significant factor in determining value, as is the originality of the parts.
Shooting Experience and Performance
Shooting either the Winchester Model 90 or the Model 1890 is a pleasure. The pump-action mechanism allows for rapid follow-up shots, making these rifles ideal for plinking and target shooting. The operation is intuitive. The balance and feel of these rifles make them easy to handle.
Both models are known for their reliability. These are well-engineered rifles built to withstand the rigors of use. The tubular magazine and smooth action combine to provide a seamless shooting experience. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure optimum functionality.
The accuracy of the rifles also depends on the caliber. The .22 Long Rifle version offers superior accuracy and range, suitable for target shooting.
In Summary: Key Characteristics Compared
Here’s a comparison table to visually represent the key features of both:
| Feature | Winchester Model 1890 | Winchester Model 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Production Years | Started in 1890 | After 1890 |
| Chamberings | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, .22 WRF | .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, .22 WRF |
| Action | Pump-action | Pump-action |
| Notable Features | Early iconic pump action | Near identical with name change |
| Collector Value | Very High | Very High |
Conclusion
The Winchester Model 90 and the Model 1890 represent an important milestone in firearms history. These rifles exemplify Browning’s innovative genius and Winchester’s manufacturing prowess. They are valued as reliable, accurate, and iconic firearms.
Both models share the same basic pump-action mechanism, making them user-friendly for the shooter of any skill level. Both are appreciated for their reliability and smooth operation.
For both collectors and shooting enthusiasts, the Model 1890 and Winchester Model 90 are highly desirable. These models offer a glimpse into the evolution of firearms. The historical significance, rarity, and shooting experience all add to the appeal.
Ultimately, the Winchester Model 90 and the Model 1890 stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the firearms industry. They provide a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience and a lasting impact on the legacy of the Winchester brand.
Sources
* Winchester: An American Legend by R.L. Wilson
* Various online firearms forums and collector websites.
* Numrich Gun Parts Corporation – for information about parts and technical details.
* Historical archives of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
