First post, need help on a Winchester 5640289

[ytr19031]

Hi guys,

I have the opportunity to purchase a .30 carbine from a friend of mine. Her father collected some military arms (about 20). He recently died and she is in possession of them. The only one that I am interested in is the carbine. My dad carried one in New Guinea and the Philippines during WWII and have always thought that it would be nice way to remember his service. In any case, I know next to nothing about these weapons, the more I read on your forum, the more I realize that I am out of my element here.

Here is the photobucket link with a collection of pics that I took of the rifle.
http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/to...059ba.jpg.html

Specifically, it has Rockola stamped on the barrel near the end and on the barrel near the receiver.
The serial number is 5640289 with Winchester stamped just above the number.
The bottom of the safety lever has H.T. stamped on the lever.
The bottom of the receiver is stamped with a 4 and G.
The stock appears to be some sort of replacement. It looks too good, but that is just my observation.

I am trying to establish an approximate value for the rifle, so that I can offer a reasonable price to my friend, but at the same time not pay too much.
I can take more (or try to take better) pictures, if that is necessary.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Mizzouboy]

OK-here's what I can tell you from memory, as I loaned my reference book to a buddy. It looks like a post-war rebuild. I don't recall Rockola barrels being used by Winchester, but it's not impossible. The bayonet-lug barrel band and adjustable rear sight are likely post-war additions. Adjustable sights and bayonet lugs didn't appear on factory Winchesters until somewhere in the 7-million serial number range. The barrel band should have some letters on it to identify the maker, as will almost all parts in the rifle. Look on the side of the trigger housing to see what's there. There should be a letter or two in the sling slot in the stock that will identify its maker. A large letter "P" on the bottom of the grip, and letters on the left side of the stock, usually below the rear sight, will tell what arsenal rebuilt it, if any. The "H.T." markings are probably "H.I.", the "I" meaning the part was made for Inland. All the little pieces n the trigger group (except springs) will have identifying letters, as will the bolt and its parts. If you can find them, I will look them up when I get my books back. BTW, I would not try to disassemble the bolt without the special tool. Welcome to the carbine community. In a couple years, you'll probably have a dozen of them. They're contagious.

A "mixmaster" carbine should go for $600-700 or so, realistically. You will see higher prices on Gunbroker, etc, but see how many are buying.

[Bill Hollinger]

First off, welcome to the site Tom. Here we have some of the most knowledgeable folks who are all willing to share that knowledge with all. Wonderful people, wonderful site.

I believe Mizzouboy hit pretty close on the information given and the value. I might add that the stock looks to be a later potbelly stock which was a fairly common replacement for post war rebuilds. Shoot it and enjoy it and again, welcome and enjoy the site.

[bonnie]

Nice looking carbine. It is a rebuilt carbine including the replacement barrel and M2 stock. If the bore is good and the muzzle is not worn, it should be an excellent shooter, besides being a genuine USGI carbine. In my area $600-750 would be the market price for this condition. A buddy price could be somewhat less.

[ytr19031]

Thanks to everyone here! Your information has definitely led me through "the valley of ignorance". In response to your replies, I have subsequently found an "S G" on the side of the trigger housing, and an "S A" on the side of the rear sight. An "S I" is on the barrel band. There are no markings that I can find anywhere on the stock.

Tom

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

ytr19031,

Welcome to the carbine forum. Lots of information available. Besides folks responding, you can try the search feature in the tool bar.

Pricing varies around the country. I live fifty miles inland of San Francisco. A mixed Winchester carbine would be $900+ here. But in your area, Missouri, it might be in the $650-$750 range. Friend pricing is different then buying from someone you don't know when your trying to be fair to both parties.

I'm in San Diego (Coronado) for my unit's yearly memorial, but that is an H.T. on the safety. There were several different makers later on.

Enjoy the forum and show us some internal breakdown pictures after you get it.

Jim

A few different rotating safeties.

[imarangemaster]

Welcome to the forum. The rear sight may be original, as adjustable rear sights show up on Winchesters in the 5.6 million range. My Winchester 5.7 had a Type III sight. I think Mizzouboy is right about the bayonet lugs, though.

Don't feel bad about it being a rebuild. It is still a genuine USGI issue weapon as rebuilt, as almost all were upgraded after WWII. These rebuilt weapons went on to see use in Korea and Vietnam, so they are "as issued" at least at some time in their career. My Inland is a late rebuild, and I love it!

[Mizzouboy]

Glad a few others chipped in to correct my memory! Guys on this site are always happy to help.

[emmagee1917]

I have a Winchester , 5619925 , that is all Winchester period correct , except it has another's barrel on it. I don't recall offhand whos , but was this not in the time period wher Winchester bought up all the cancled contractor's floor sweepings at below cost ?
Chris

[DaveHH]

They were using both as available. You will also sometimes see the oil hole in front of the trigger left side Trigger housings. The sight, if original to the carbine, will have a round punch mark on the right side slots front and rear and no indication of staking for a flip sight. I seriously doubt that a Rockola barrel was ever used on a factory built Win. Jim is correct (as usual) about the price, people get excited about Winchesters and are willing to pay. There are quite a few of these 5.6 and 5.7s in original configuration out and about as they were overlooked because the adjustable sight was mistaken for a rebuild.