This rifle was given to me a few years ago. Still fires 22LR accurately but is relagated to wall hanging museum exhibit at my cabin. Like my Win 1906, this is a heritage piece and holds a fond spot in my heart.
The floating chamber allows for the cycling of 22 shorts, the knob in the back just holds the bolt in place and is not for adjustment. I also have my grandfathers 550-1, great pieces of engineering.
I too, have my Grandfather's 550-1 (made in June 1957). The floating chamber gives the lighter recoil cartridges the mass to cycle the action. I always put a drop of oil on the floating chamber after each use, and move it around with my finger to spread the lube prior to storing. I shoot it a couple of times a year, and always use all three (Short, Long, and Long Rifle), as Grandpa said if you only shoot LR, the chamber has a tendency to stick in the forward position.
I love this video, not so much because of the specific rifle but because of the history. The value of that rifle is nothing compared to the value of the history that you know of it and the fact that it is still in your family. I hope you have heirs that will treasure it! Thank you!
This was my first .22. Traded pair Monte Carlo bucket seats for it. Mine had an oil finished stock browned finished metal parts. and it was not cut for dove tail scope mounts. It was a low number early model. I miss it like you miss your best dog. Miss him too.
They had 6 on the rack at my local place about 6 months ago. I was gonna get one because I’ve learned how great they are and they were all gone. Only two were nice like yours here. I put $ down on one recently. It shoots fantasticly but needs refinishing. I plan to clean it well, run it with my kids and fix it like new. It’s a 1943 model. I hope to see a video of you shooing soon. Mine runs well with Agilla shorts so far when I tested it before purchasing.
