Winchester 490 semi auto

In 1975 Winchester Canada was producing a number of 22 rifles that were  original Cooey Product with a name change.  At that time the Weatherby XXII , made in Europe by Beretta was very popular as an upscale Semi auto 22 but Winchester had nothing to directly compete with it.

Winchester launched the model 490 to target the upscale market with a lower price than what Weatherby was offering.  Within a two year period production of the 490 was 33 thousand units sold on both sides of the border.  Not long after the 490 was launched a flaw was discovered where after reasonable use the rifle was firing in full auto mode.  A recall was launched with a majority of production modified at the factory and some by local gunsmiths at Winchesters cost.  Winchester divested their Canadian Operations afterward. 

This rifle is very accurate,  delivers 5 rounds at 30 yards into a 1/2 inch circle when shooting from a bench.   The wood stock is American Checkered walnut and is in perfect  condition , the bluing is excellent, better than typical and bright, the original steel adjustable rear sight and the fixed steel front sights are both in perfect condition. The receiver is grooved for a scope mount, there  are two mags ..1 5 rd. &  1.. 7 round. White trim on the butt stock.  The serial # is stamped with an asterist to confirm the recall was done.  The rifle functions as it should and is in amazing condition for a 50 year old rifle.  Other than the standard Winchester butt pad there is no plastic or aluminum in this rifle.  It's all wood & steel.. as a premium rifle should be..  It's  a beauty...and a premium model equal to the Weatherby.XXII.   .!