Gotta question about a "barn relic" I've found. It's evidently a low-wall with a 24 inch octagonal barrell. The only numbers I've been able to find on it are "Manufactured by the (line break) Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn USA" on the barrell in front of the rear sight, and "22 W C F" stamped on the barrel in front of the breech block. I've found no other numbers anywhere on the piece.

The low, beaded blade front sight is dovetailed into place about 7/8 inch from the muzzle, and the rear sight is rounded, with a v-notch. The rear sight itself is a leaf-type, 3 inches long front-to-back. The elevation wedge is missing.

The buttstock is missing, but the shape of the fore end suggests it was probably a curved-butt style without a pistolgrip similar to an old Sharps..

There's light surface rust all over it, (I'd call it "dust", really) but it seems to yield easily to steel wool.

What have I got? I'm going to make a shooter out of it regardless, but I'd like to replace the buttstock & furniture with something 'period authentic'. And by the way, does anyone know where I might find a buttstock & furniture for it? (I'd buy new, but I'd prefer something nearly as old as the rifle, if possible)

PS! Found the number "50566" in a cursive-like script on the bottom grip strap behind the loading lever! Does that help??

Sounds about right. That serial number shows it was made in 1890 or 1891 according to Campbell's book.

EDIT: you'll also likely find some numbers under the forarm. There should be a single digit number under there that indicates the barrel size.

Chris.