Someone gave me a Winchester 290 semi-auto .22 rifle which was rusted. When I brought it to my favorite gun shop to have it cleaned up they told me that they won't repair that gun because it is notoriously unreliable and will probably break again after a short time. Is this true? Is it a piece of junk?
Winchester model 290
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The weak point of this particular design (the Winchester 190/290/490) is the way the barrel mounts in the frame. It is prone to becoming loose, and is difficult to fix. Eventually, it shoots loose again. I have heard of owners JB Welding the barrel into place, but this is rather extreme.
I'd suggest either relegating it to the display rack, or maybe parting useable parts out on Ebay.
It was a cheaper gun, and has no collector value.
I'd suggest either relegating it to the display rack, or maybe parting useable parts out on Ebay.
It was a cheaper gun, and has no collector value.
I have a Winchester 190 that I bought in the late seventies, it was quite inexpensive (I think it was around $75.00 Can. back then). I use it quite regularly and have not encountered too many problems. I do take very good care of my firearms so maybe I catch things before they can become a problem. I only have two things to add...the plastic sights are almost useless, my front has become loose on the barrel and can rotate a little either way, but my 3x9 scope takes care of this quite nicely. The other is that the action needs to be very clean and a day out plinking (150 rounds +) and it will start to have feed problems. after a good cleaning it's back functioning as new. Of course my example is in near perfect shape, no rust and almost scratch free, and being a machine, not all examples will operate exactly the same. I do like it because of it's light weight and short length.
In all it has served me well and has been the firearm that has introduced my two sons and many a nephew into our wonderfull sport of shooting and hunting.
In all it has served me well and has been the firearm that has introduced my two sons and many a nephew into our wonderfull sport of shooting and hunting.
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5,637 Posts
I have a 290, bought new in 1971, and it has been a thing of beauty since.. No jams, just runs like a sewing machine. If you don't want it, I'll take it off your hands!!!
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have problem loading bullets
I got this gun from my dad so it has not been shot for a while. But the problem I have is that I have the winchester 22 long bullets and they do not slid into the bullet slid after I but them in the the bullet holder, or what ever that shaft is called below the barell that hold the bullets. I but a few in and slid the shaft in but the shell head will not enter the shaft that has the spring in it. Am I doing something wrong or what the deal is. I know the shaft is not damaged since it has to be that size so the spring dose not come out. Are their some bullet diameter changes to the shell, I do not think so but it is strange.
If you could help please do. Thanks
I got this gun from my dad so it has not been shot for a while. But the problem I have is that I have the winchester 22 long bullets and they do not slid into the bullet slid after I but them in the the bullet holder, or what ever that shaft is called below the barell that hold the bullets. I but a few in and slid the shaft in but the shell head will not enter the shaft that has the spring in it. Am I doing something wrong or what the deal is. I know the shaft is not damaged since it has to be that size so the spring dose not come out. Are their some bullet diameter changes to the shell, I do not think so but it is strange.
If you could help please do. Thanks
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5,637 Posts
My barrel also came loose.. It was a very easy fix. I took off the the forearm, and then proceeded to tighten the barrel nut on the end of the barrel that goes into the reciever.The barrel nut wasn't even tight, it just spun on the threads..I just added some lok-tight and it's been fine since.. This is a great gun to shoot as it will take all three variants of the .22, (s, l, and lr), and it won't miss a beat. I love mine..
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problems with a 290
I also have a 290 Winchester. It shoots pretty good, but has a trigger pull of about 17 to 20 lbs. I took it to a gun smith who told me there was nothing at all he could do with that particular rifle, and suggested I purchase another rifle all together. Does anyone know if there is something that can be done with the trigger mechanism on this rifle?:usa:
I also have a 290 Winchester. It shoots pretty good, but has a trigger pull of about 17 to 20 lbs. I took it to a gun smith who told me there was nothing at all he could do with that particular rifle, and suggested I purchase another rifle all together. Does anyone know if there is something that can be done with the trigger mechanism on this rifle?:usa:
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1,712 Posts
I recently inherited a Winchester 290. It feeds and functions just fine. The only thing I don't like about it is the trigger. Its pretty light but there is a lot of creep and its more of an upward motion rather than a straight back motion to pull it.
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10,887 Posts
Well, an entire new trigger assembly is only $19.20...
Might solve a few problems with that...here's the in-stock parts list from Numrich.
Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories
Might solve a few problems with that...here's the in-stock parts list from Numrich.
Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories
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10,887 Posts
Ok, here's what you really have...an opportunity to learn everything about your particular rifle.
The first time I got my hands on a beat-up old gun, it was time to learn. You go thru a process of trying to fix all the problems...but here's a list of things to do that will help you learn.
1. Take PICTURES of EVERYTHING...no matter what you are disassembling.
The reason for this is pretty simple, it's to show you how to put it back...and help other folks with the same type rifle.
Things happen when you are working on complex items...your wife may set fire to dinner...and the whole kitchen...and it maybe a few days before you get back to your project...taking a snapshot of Each Step can mean the difference between being able to fix it yourself...and having to call in for professional help. Posting those pics can get you better responses as to what is wrong when you run into a problem...when you can SHOW someone a pic...they can usually help even more on here.
2. The Winchester 190 is the same as the 290, EXCEPT the 190 has a plainer stock & forearm. The 290 was made from 1963-77...with early models having the plain stock...then they got smart and called the plain ones 190's so they could capitallize on the cheap end of the market & sell 290's for a little more, having checkering & better wood.
3. Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things...keep your sense of humour
4. If you have a decent compressor...its your best friend for sandblasting & applying Duracoat. If you don't have one, it gives you an excuse to get the biggest one you can afford. I've got an inexpensive one from Harbour Freight Tools 2hp/8gallon...which is probably the smallest you wanna have, and honestly, I don't think it's enough.
A larger one is needed, really, but it does OK in a pinch. It'll get the sandblasting done, but it gets it done slowly. It works great for spraypainting, but you have to develop a sense of timing...as it runs out of air after awhile.
5. Here's the link to the manual.
http://stevespages.com/pdf/winchester_190.pdf
This one is particularly helpful, as it has LOTS of pics.
4. I posted a link in my last post above to Numrich...a very good source of parts.
6. Don't be afraid to mess up...old rifles are mostly made of steel, so they're kinda hard to jack up too badly...especially lever-actions like yours. Take your time & do each thing as one step each. When removing springs...be ready for them to shoot off into space.
7. Even a rusty gun can be made to look better with oil & steel wool. 00 grit to start with, then 0000 to finish. You'll be amazed how much nicer it looks after. Lowe's carries the steel wool...use regular gun oil like Hoppes or whatever Walmart special you can find. Just rub until it looks healty. it WILL take some time...so dedicate a Saturday. Watch cartoons & clean
If the stock looks like heck, you have two easy options...either strip it & refinish it, or buy a new one from Numrich. Either way, it'll help
Good luck, and enjoy learning about your new to you rifle
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loose barrels
Winchester made several versions off that platform a semiauto, lever's for certain and I think a pump.
My uncle had a lever version of the 190, the model # escapes me right now, I later on brought back like model from the dump's & was able to get a replacement barrel for it, it turend out to be just as inaccurate as my uncles dur to not having proper turque on the retaining nut.
my guess is if one does assemble them correctly to the right torque use locktite to set the nut.
For info please query the gunsmithing or rifle Numrich Gun parts forums
Ive since sold my .22 lever gun but can recall that somebody from there forums were able to get me contact information with a guy in Arkansas that stocked parts for allot of winchester post 64gun parts 'pin together guns'.
Winchester made several versions off that platform a semiauto, lever's for certain and I think a pump.
My uncle had a lever version of the 190, the model # escapes me right now, I later on brought back like model from the dump's & was able to get a replacement barrel for it, it turend out to be just as inaccurate as my uncles dur to not having proper turque on the retaining nut.
my guess is if one does assemble them correctly to the right torque use locktite to set the nut.
For info please query the gunsmithing or rifle Numrich Gun parts forums
Ive since sold my .22 lever gun but can recall that somebody from there forums were able to get me contact information with a guy in Arkansas that stocked parts for allot of winchester post 64gun parts 'pin together guns'.
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2 Posts
winchester 290
we have one and we have used alot and it never broke down on us. same with some of my friends that own ones
we have one and we have used alot and it never broke down on us. same with some of my friends that own ones
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ours never breaks down or james or anything really
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hilaaaaarious!!!
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The 490 does not have the same barrel mounting system, and will not loosen up after alot of shooting. The winchester .22's are all nice guns. My son has a 290, a 250, and a 490, and they all just purr like a kitten.
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winchester 290
I have the Winchester Model 290 and absolutely love it I inharretted it from my grandpa and it is a bit rough but is the most accurate rifle i have. I have run probably 10 to 15 thousand rounds through it and it still shoots like it is new.
I would suggest getting it fixed and cleaning it up because it is a very nice .22 for the price they are going for.
I have the Winchester Model 290 and absolutely love it I inharretted it from my grandpa and it is a bit rough but is the most accurate rifle i have. I have run probably 10 to 15 thousand rounds through it and it still shoots like it is new.
I would suggest getting it fixed and cleaning it up because it is a very nice .22 for the price they are going for.
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