Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Winchester model 320

Lay it one me. The good bad and ugly... I found a nice example the other day. Priced at $399.99. Some say that is a good deal. Maybe not the best deal, but fair. I really like the looks of it, as it does remind me of the model 70.




I'd post pics, but it looks like most 320's. But with the addition of another sling attachment point. So it has a sling stud plus a sling swivel on the forend. The rifle also used to have a rear aperture, as a small amount of wood was relieved for that on the left hand side of the stock at the rear of the receiver. It also has a front aperture lyman globe type sight. Not a huge one, but one that measures around 7/16" or less.. The rifle is in good condition, with a few scratches on the stock. Metal, bluing and bore condition are flawless. With this rifle being set up as a faux target rifle, I'd expect that it probably shot very well. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!!!

Winchester 320s are great rifles and $400 seems like a fair price to me. Don't lose the magazine! The magazines are expensive because they are the same as the magazine that Kimber of Oregon used in their Model 84s in .22 LR.

I have 2 of them, D64xx and D177xx, that I bought in 2017 and 2023 for $333 and $408 respectively.

IMO they are the 2nd best Winchester brand .22 sporters, not as good as the 52s, but better than all of the others.

Thanks 260Remguy. I appreciate your input.. A little off topic, but since you mentioned "others": I have handled some 69's, and like the 320 better, at first glance. Even though some say the 69 has the same action as the Winchester 75. Yesterday as I was shooting my new to me 52 sporter reproduction, I was thinking that 320 would be better in some ways, as I would not have to worry as much about it!! There is some utility there IMHO. I know if I scratched my 52 sporter while jackrabbit hunting or squirrel hunting, I'd be pretty mad at myself!!

I was thinking of the 69, 72, and 75 sporters.

I might rebarrel one of my 320s to 17HM2. I bought an extra stock awhile back, so I can convert it back to its original factory configuration if I want to at some point in the future.

Yep, I figured you were. I've had a few 69's and 75's in hand, but I've always liked the 52 much better. The 52 seemed to be much more robust. I like that extra rigidity in the receiver/action. Cool if you made that 320 of yours into a 17HM2. I was reading a thread, somewhere where someone else did that. May have been on rimfirecentral..

I was also reading where the 320 shoots on par with the CZ's as well. That got me a little intrigued, but the basic shape and design of the 320 is what's most appealing. Thanks again for the input!

I've never seen a M320... Nice looking rifle.

Well, if you've never had one in your hands, that is a damn good sign they are quality!!! ha ha.. Never worked on one? Hmm..

The same shop had 3 CZ's next to it. The lux model under the 320 is a new one they had today. They were wanting $349.99 for it.

The reason why that CZ underneath the m320 is priced cheaper is because it's not even a 452.

It is a CZ- 513 "Basic" or Farmer model. It has a simplified trigger mechanism ,no checkering on the stock and much more simple sights (like the 452 Scout)

https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-513-basic/

BTW, that Winchester m320 looks a lot cleaner than most I have seen.

Right on the money jk16. I had to research the CZ, but you are right. It is a 513. I had never heard of one, until today. I looked on rimfirecentral and those guys said it has a crappy trigger. Kind of an economy CZ, if you will. Probably a great kids gun though.

I have the single shot version of the Win 320...a Win 310. I like it a great deal, both the design and its performance.

My 310 shoots well, making 5-shot groups of CCI standard velocity bullets in well under 0.7" at 50 yards. It has a nice trigger, and is built well. I am very happy with it, and consider it in the category of: "high-quality, classic 22 LR bolt action rifles."

I own (or have owned) a smattering of "good" (to me) 22 bolt action rifles: Rem 37, 510, 511, 521, 540xr and 580, Win 52c, 69a, 75, Marlin 880 SQ "Squirrel gun", CZ 452 American and an Anschutz 1411. My Win 310 ranks right up there with them, along with having one of the better triggers of the rifles mentioned. I still have the Win 310, CZ 452 American and the Anschutz 1411, if that tells you anything.

The Win 320 you described has two significant modifications that detracts from value: additional sling swing stud, and wood removed for the receiver sight. The replacement globe front sight, while "nice" , is not original. It may provide a higher than normal front sight position, that may be outside the rear open sight's adjustment range-making the sighting system out of whack, shooting lower than can be compensated (but maybe not). "Unuseable sights" may be a harsh term, but may be appropriate (or close enough) This would be another negotiating point for a lower price.

With those cited modifications, I would think $350 would be more appropriate. I would use those modifications as negotiating points to justify a lower price. Even if the rifle included the receiver sight, the stock modification hurts the value. Ask the seller if he has the receiver sight. If so, include it for the asked $400 (it's odd they left the front globe sight on, but not the receiver sight. He may be trying to sell it separately (for more $). That being written, the Win 310/320 rifles are VERY nice. The one your looking at sounds like it has a great bore and bluing, which is the most important thing.

Good luck with your buying decision, and price negotiation.

Yes, my Kimber of Oregon 82 mags can be used in the Win. 320. I believe that Jack Warne who with son Greg started Kimber of Oregon also designed or otherwise had something to do with the 320s and 310s. Great guns.

Another great old Win. 22 is the 490 lever action.

Great info guys. I appreciate it!! I guess I should explain that I'm not buying it because it's a collectors piece, and 100% original, because we all know it isn't. It's a great little rifle for what it is. A very seldom seen sleek little rifle, that reminded me of the model 70 (which I love). It also may have been built the year I was born. I also bought this because it will fit in well with my other misfit rifles. ha ha.. and because I'm on a 22lr kick right now.

I also already pointed out all the items that are not original, as buttstock reiterated in his post. However, some of these mods make it more appealing to me, hence the reason I bought it: I moved the sling stud, so I can use my bi-pod with it, and then installed matching sling swivels. It had a stud in the butt end. This may change to all sling studs, in the future, but I'm not sure about that. But for now, I'm happy it has the extra sling stud on the forend, as that is my preferred method of attaching my Harris bi-pod. It's also a shame that a small bit of wood was removed to allow for the rear aperture. Upon asking the shop if they had the rear aperture, the young guy looked at me like i was smoking crack. Keeping in mind, this shop has young kids working there, and they don't know a lot about these older rifles, like we do here. I am very sure that the guy that brought it in, pulled the rear aperture sight off and sold it on ebay. Smart move on his part IMHO. I just filled the 2 holes in the rear with the appropriate filler screws, and will probably find a rear aperture sight down the road. As for right now, it's getting a scope. I am a fan of the globe front sight, and yes I realize that is a detraction from value, it's there and it's going to be more useable than the factory sight, if I decide I ever want to use iron sights. I much prefer aperture sights. A lot of this is dependent on how the rifle shoots though.

We are having a nice little snow storm right now, or I'd probably already have it at the range. This is a users rifle, and it's very reasonably priced for what it is. I like the design, and the smoothness of the action. Cross my fingers on how it's going to shoot, but all indications point to it doing well. Maybe not as well as either of my 52's, but it may surprise me? The bore is very nice looking, and the trigger is not as bad as I was thinking it would be. Set at around 2 3/4 pounds. If it doesn't feel good while shooting it, it may need to be addressed, but as of right now, it doesn't feel bad. She's cleaned up and ready to hunt right now though.

Thanks to all that commented. I'll keep you guys posted on how it shoots.

Is that like the wildcat?

Not sure what the Wildcat is earlybrd. Unless you are talking about the newer semi auto? This is a bolt action 22lr. They only made them from 1971 to 1974. The 320 has the factory 5 round magazine, and some of them were made in Australia, by Omark. It's just as fun researching and learning about these guns, as it is working on them and shooting them. I am trying to find out when my rifle was made right now, but my google fu is not strong today!!! Serial number in the 30xxx range. On the lower part of the receiver it says "Made in Australia" by Omark, or something like that. Had it torn all apart last night, cleaning the hell out of it. Blue loctited some screws, and checking it over real well. I also used some green loctite on the action screw boss, that slides into a dovetail in the barrel. Rifle checks out, now I just need to have a good day to get to the range. Winds are supposed to be 24 to 42 MPH today, so I probably won't go, but if I do, I'll have an excuse if it shoots poorly. ha ha..

Jack Warne in an interview said around 25,000 320’s were made. The actions were made in Australia by sportco and fitted with barrels and stocks supplied from Winchester. When sportco went out of business Jack Warne bought the tooling and as they say the rest is history. Also from my readings they say the Sportco Model 66 magazines will work in the 320.

Thanks J. What year do you think the 30xxx serial # rifles were made? As for the magazines, it's nice because they seem to be pretty easy to find. 5 and 10 round mags.

Here is a good thread talking about the SN’s as you will see there is no rhyme or reason to the SN’s. For a total production of 25,000 for both the 320 and 310 there are sn into the 65xxx range. I don’t think Winchester would have DOM because we can assume these actions never made it into Winchester polishing room. As you know all of the best DOM records were from the polishing room at New Haven. Also you will see conflicting stories. Some say the actions were shipped to Winchester , Winchester completed them at New Haven and some say the rifles were built in Australia using Winchester supplied barrels and stocks. What I posted earlier about being made in Australia seems to be the consensus. Good luck on your search on the DOM.

https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-22-rim-fire/model-320/

Thanks J. Yeah, I already read that. Funny how Bert Hartman reacts to some of those posters. He probably couldn't even tell me when the dang thing was produced. I hear you on the serial #'s not making any rhyme or reason. For only 25,000 rifles made, I don't see how they could have #'s over that. That's the problem I was having. You are also right, Winchester does not list the 320 serial numbers and DOM's for these rifles. It's all interesting though. Thanks again..

I had to look at my Win 310 after reading this thread. Looking forward to shooting it more now that I am retired. It still looks and feels good. FWIW , the serial number is 46,xxx. In have a Weaver El Paso 4x scope on it which has a 1 MOA dot on it. It obviously covers 1/2" at 50 yards, and often times, the dot covers a 5-shot group at that distance. It is a great squirrel gun. It does not feel like a toy when you handle it.

Enjoy your new purchase. Maybe you can find a replacement receiver sight to fill the spot on your stock. You will enjoy shooting it.

Here
https://www.gunauction.com/buy/15844000

Those "Wildcats" were Russian Tula made guns from about 15 years ago..

Bert does get grumpy at times, but he’s the lever and single shot guy over there. His interests are anything made before 1964. Louis Luttrell is the pre64 guy. From what I been told few of the members over on WACA are retired/former employees from Winchester custom shops days. I need to become a member over their one of these days.

When I lived in Oregon, and went to my club in Washington, I met guys that knew Bert personally. I'm still a member at that club, but need to go and see them when the weather gets better.

For those interested. Froze my azz off earlier today:









Love the little rifle. It functioned very well. On a better day, I am really going to wring it out. Couldn't do that today because of the strong winds. I don't know how much of it was hitting me, since the berms block out a lot of it. But when the wire I put on the big target backer board broke on both sides, I called it quits!!!

Here's a pic of where the wood was relieved for the rear aperture:

The rifle cleaned up great, as you can see in the pics. Hopefully you guys are staying inside, where it's warm!!!

That looks more like a Mossberg, than it does a Winchester.

Nice 👍👍

They did a nice job on the wood removal area of the rear sight. Nice shooting in tough conditions. Your Win 320 is in very nice condition.

You may get sub 0.5" groups at 50 yards with good ammo ( SK plus, Wolf Match etc). O.71" for 10 shots in the wind is a great start.

You gotta love a nice bolt action 22 LR rifle.

That m320 looks like it is shooting well. I don't think it will have any trouble putting five rounds into 1/2" at 50 yards on demand once you get it sorted.

Based on my experience, the temperature affected your group sizes as much as the wind. The lube on most 22LR target rounds does not do well as the temps drop below 35 degrees or so and accuracy degrades a bit. Also the velocity drops below freezing, hence the need for specialized Biathlon ammo.

Your groups should be 10-20% tighter from that rifle in warmer weather.

Thanks jk. I'm expecting very good results from this rifle, once it's warmer and less windy. I didn't stick around very long today, as I knew I would be wasting ammo. I have a few different types and brands of ammo to do some real testing with, as soon as the weather cooperates. Like Wolf Match Extra, Federal Gold Medal Match, CCI standard velocity target, Eley prime Aguila standard velocity, RWS, a small amount of Lapua Midas, American Eagle, and some other high velocity hollow points. I look forward to seeing how it performs. I was actually quite surprised at how well it did, in todays conditions. Looking good so far though.. My only gripe is the mag release. It is different than any other rifle I have. I kept thinking I had to push the release button forward, instead of pulling it toward me. I'm also getting ready to order a 10 round magazine, since I mainly shoot 10 shot groups with my rimfires.

For sure buddy. I went again today. The wind slightly died down as I was leaving. After shooting this group, I figured I'd leave on a great note:



I left the range around 3:45 today, and the wind was on the decline. Shot the rifle enough today though, that I know it's a keeper!! One I put on a list, of "DO NOT SELL!!!"

I'll really be crying when I shoot my last box of this stuff!!! I may just save my last box, since it's kind of a collectors item, from what I hear.



Fun day though, even though it was a bit cold. Who was saying something about the rifle probably being able to shoot 1/2" 5 shot groups??


Then threw some Lapua Midas "L" in it, that I bought the other day:

Dang it, I forgot I had some RWS that I also need to test in this rifle!!!


One that surprised me the most today. As, I sometimes don't have good luck with CCI standard velocity ammo:

My Savage mk2 FVT, that I recently traded for my new CZ 457 American love this ammo. Didn't find that out, until the last few months I owned it. If the lady that I traded it to, doesn't sell it in a few months, I'm going to go and buy it back!!

Aguila ammo:


Wolf Match Extra. First groups of day:



This is the reason I test multiple brands and types of ammo in my 22lr's. This is a great little rifle. It is, at this point, outshooting my new CZ 457 American. I understand the CZ's need some little extra tinkering though..

Not bad👍

Tag

Very nice BSA - saw some of your Federal Gold Medal Match yesterday at a gun show - he had two boxes marked at $18….probably could have gotten it for $15/box. Almost bought it but thought that damn stuff will shoot great and then I’ll run out🤔😄!!

Anyway good shooting and interesting results with that 320 - now go back and get that Savage - you’ll always regret it if you don’t!!

PennDog

Oh thanks buddy!! Dang, I have come to rely on that Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. If I found it at that price, I'd fork over the money!!! I know, it sounds expensive, but it shoots so well in all of my rifles. It shoots in the .3's in my Ruger 10/22 with the Kidd barrel. Just punches out ragged holes. It's nice to be able to put that kind of trust in ammo. Especially 22lr. I'm hoping to be able to find something newer that also shoots as well, so the search continues because my old Federal ammo isn't going to last forever!!

I know you have an appreciation for these older rifles. There's so much cool factor in them, and when I look at this one, it reminds me of the model 70. But it's much much lighter. There's tons of utility in this one too. My Savage is/was like that too. The main reason for buying that Savage was so I wouldn't use my 1949 Winchester model B as much. Also, sometimes it's more fun to do some azz whooping with a $400 rifle, over a $1,500.00 rifle. It's almost a given that the 52 is going to clean house, but guys don't expect an ugly plastic stocked Savage to shoot well. That savage was also one that really called my name. When I first saw it (120 miles from my house), it was hanging on the wall of a small gunshop. It weighed heavily on my mind, and it was a couple months before I visited that gunshop again, but I went back just to buy that dang Savage. It was still hanging there, and I bought it.

However, while shooting the little 320 yesterday, I thought to myself that I wished the Savage action was as nice as that rifle. Even though I polished the Savage bolt, and got it to working nice, it was never as smooth as any of my other bolt action 22lr's. You know how that is, you can feel the quality when you run the bolt of a Winchester model 52, or Remington 37. Those old rifles are damn hard to beat. This 320 is proving itself though. I appreciate the comments buddy..

BSA,

I’ll tell you what that guy will be at the next gun show in the area and if he still has that ammo I will pick it up for you (kinda thought about that after I got home yesterday🥴!)

I do appreciate the classics for sure and I know exactly what you mean when you speak of them - however, guns like your Savage ALWAYS intrigue me (that “only accurate rifles are interesting” thing!). Glad that you picked up that 320 though and are happy with it!

I do have several rifles that shoot really well but cost less than $3-400. One of my favorites to use at matches where no one knows me is a Norinco JW-15……looks like a real tomato stake but shoots right there with some of my best - put a few whoopings on guys using very high dollar rifles - warms the cockles of one’s heart😄!!

Keep up the reports they are very informative!!

PennDog

Thanks buddy!! If you do happen to pick it up, if it's there, I'd buy it from you and pay shipping. I appreciate it!!! Shoot me a PM, if you happen to get your hands on it!!!

As for these threads I start, I appreciate the information guys give me as well. I was thinking about this the other day, but I try to be dead honest about the results as well. Showing the good with the bad. And we all know, some of the ammo does not agree with certain rifles. I like to show what these rifles do with all sorts of ammo. Some we can probably assume it's going to shoot well, and then others may surprise us. I guess It would probably be better if I showed 5 10 shot groups, but that burns up a lot of ammo. Most times, I just shoot the white paper with the 1" orange dot in the center, and then I shoot a 10 shot group for score. I figure the 10 shots on the white paper should be enough to season the barrel for that particular ammo. Most times I pick similar ammo, shoot them, and then move on to the copper plated stuff. Some of my old match ammo has dried out lube too, so some of the testing may be somewhat inconclusive. But it is nice to see what a new rifle can do, even if I'm shooting in real crappy conditions. I have a hard time waiting for the perfect days. Plus, when I go, everyone else stays at home. ha ha..

Thanks PennDog. I'll keep you guys posted. Not that this is the best 22lr I've ever had, but it is a very solid option. If I found another one while out and about, I'd very likely buy it!!

Todays outing:



When was the last time you guys have seen any of that old RWS ammo??

Then I tried some old Federal ammo I bought yesterday. Had to go to Reno, so I grabbed this brick I saw last week. They wanted $35.00 for it, so since I like Federal ammo, I said what the hell:




That old high velocity hollow point ammo was not too bad. Someone labeled it "1989". So it is probably 35 years old, but still working well.

Then some new Norma Tac 22 ammo that I have not been having any luck with. Even in my very accurate 10/22's. This rifle shot it well enough, for what it is:



For that ammo, it's really not too bad, as I have gotten some real bad fliers with my other 22's. Even my Savage hated it. This rifle is just like a Timex watch, and it doesn't seem to be very finicky. That is always a plus!!!

The Winchester 490 is a semi-automatic rifle, a nice understudy for the Winchester 100. The Winchester hammerless lever action rimfires were the 150, 250. and 255.

FYI, Triple K makes 10 rounders for them, they need just a hair of filing on the catch. Mine feed great. Love the 320. Have a leupold 2-7 rimfire on mine. Trigger is heavy around 8lbs but manageable.

FWIW,

Various 22 LR ammo accuracy test results:

https://accuratereloading.com/22rf.html
https://www.accuratereloading.com/22rf100y.html
https://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/22lr-rimfire-ammo-comparison-test/
https://dayattherange.com/?p=4691

The above links have interesting accuracy reports of various 22 LR ammo in 3 different rifles, but the bottom line, it depends what works in your particular rifle. I always get impressed how well RWS 50 and CCI Std velocity 40 grain ammo performs.

Thanks buddy. I bought a 10 round mag from Triple K. Just waiting on it to arrive. I have heard that the mod is required most times. I'll have to look it over, and see how it works, but am prepared to do some filing, if need be. I think the trigger on mine has been worked over. It is set around 2 3/4 pounds, the first time I checked it. It feels very nice. Someone had it set up like a target rifle, so I think they did the tinkering I normally do to my rifles. This one is extremely consistent shooting. I look forward to shooting it more on some better days.

Funny, no one has commented on the scope. ha ha. I'm always the first one to say that the 22lr's don't need any specialized scopes (rimfire specific). This is showing proof of that. I like the smaller scope (Burris FFII 3-9x40) on this rifle, to keep the size and weight down. I plan on packing this one around, and it is set up like all of my other hunting rifles (centerfires). I realize the parallax is set at 100 yards for these scopes, but it's not hurting anything on this rifle. Yes, it's nice and better if you can use a scope where you can adjust the parallax down to the distance you are shooting, but it's not extremely critical either. As I've shown using this same scope on some rifles, where I'm punching nice small groups at 400 yards. This was also my last brand new Burris, that I paid $99 for. Add that to the $374.99 price tag of the rifle, and it's a package I spent less on than my new CZ 457 American, and it's also outperforming that more expensive rifle.

There have been a few comments from guys that have these, and it seems like the guys that have them, "love" them. Also one guy tagged the thread, which is cool. Maybe those that have never tried one, will keep an eye out for one. I think they would be pretty happy with the little rifle. It's not a model 70, but it reminds me of one at first glance. These rifles weigh in around 5.5 pounds, which is nice for packing around too. Kind of a win win with this one. Thanks for the comments!!

Exactly..

Here's a cool one. Way out of my price range, but cool nonetheless:

NIB Winchester model 320

These are very nice rifles, and share some lineage with the later Kimber of Oregon Model 82.

These were designed by Jack Warne, at the time owner and founder of Sportco (affiliated with Omark Inc.) in Australia, who collaborated with Winchester in producing the 320. However, save for the magazine, the actions are significantly different.

IIRC, the barreled actions were made in Australia and shipped to Winchester for stocks. Warne founded Kimber of Oregon a couple stops later in his career. He also designed the Kimber of Oregon Model 82 as well as Warne scope rings.

Yep. According to what I read, Jack Warner designed the Sportco model 62 before he designed the Winchester model 320. But they were very similar. Then when he moved to Oregon, from Aus, he designed the Kimber model 82. There are many similarities from what I hear, but not the same rifle. Some bolt parts can be interchanged, as well as the magazines. I'm sure there are differences in the trigger and receiver as well. From what I can tell with the 320 I have, there is definitely no flies on it. If the Kimber 82's are better rifles, I'll be buying one for sure!!!! As I've stated before, I have a new to me Winchester 52, and I also recently bought a CZ 457 American. I actually enjoy shooting the Winchester 320 as much as I do either of those 2 rifles. I also have a sneaking suspicion that it shoots better than the other 2 rifles. Just from the range time I've had with these 3 rifles.

Winchester 52:


Winchester 320:


CZ 457 American:

Don’t buy an 82; you’ll be sucked into the vortex and it won’t end.

I warned you!

Ha ha