What to look out for on a model 53

What should a guy be aware of when looking at a 25-20 model 53 ?
I'm not looking for a pristine showpiece, just some thing to shoot a little and not lose my azz on.

Originality and condition....

+1 to the above, they're not much different than an 1892.

And your help is...... of no help, what do I look for to not be original, and I don't know an 1892 from your mother, so once again ,not much help.......but thanks anyways, I will look for the word Winchester on the side, that should do it.

Best thing is to educate yourself on the configuration of the Model 53 by looking at websites such as Gunsinternational or books such as The Winchester Book by George Madis. According to Madis, the "standard" Model 53 (there were several special order options) has a straight grip, shotgun style butt, 22" round barrel with ramp type front sight and six shot magazine. It came solid frame or takedown. I would give extra scrutiny to any variation to that configuration.
The one thing I would look for is an older 1892 rebuilt with a 53 barrel and magazine. The "Model 53" designation will be stamped on the barrel and if the upper tang is marked "Model 1892" or "92", it is most likely a put together gun. I've seen several older 1892s rebuilt with model 53 or model 65 front ends and advertised as such. Other than that, as the others said, condition and originality have a huge impact on value.

Dear jimy GFY.

Originally Posted by tmitch

Best thing is to educate yourself on the configuration of the Model 53 by looking at websites such as Gunsinternational or books such as The Winchester Book by George Madis. According to Madis, the "standard" Model 53 (there were several special order options) has a straight grip, shotgun style butt, 22" round barrel with ramp type front sight and six shot magazine. It came solid frame or takedown. I would give extra scrutiny to any variation to that configuration.
The one thing I would look for is an older 1892 rebuilt with a 53 barrel and magazine. The "Model 53" designation will be stamped on the barrel and if the upper tang is marked "Model 1892" or "92", it is most likely a put together gun. I've seen several older 1892s rebuilt with model 53 or model 65 front ends and advertised as such. Other than that, as the others said, condition and originality have a huge impact on value.

Thanks for the tips, I will look for these signs, and I will get the book and pick up what I can, thanks again.

Originally Posted by tmitch

Best thing is to educate yourself on the configuration of the Model 53 by looking at websites such as Gunsinternational or books such as The Winchester Book by George Madis. According to Madis, the "standard" Model 53 (there were several special order options) has a straight grip, shotgun style butt, 22" round barrel with ramp type front sight and six shot magazine. It came solid frame or takedown. I would give extra scrutiny to any variation to that configuration.
The one thing I would look for is an older 1892 rebuilt with a 53 barrel and magazine. The "Model 53" designation will be stamped on the barrel and if the upper tang is marked "Model 1892" or "92", it is most likely a put together gun. I've seen several older 1892s rebuilt with model 53 or model 65 front ends and advertised as such. Other than that, as the others said, condition and originality have a huge impact on value.

This.

I have such a 1892 with a model 53 rebored .357 barrel and magazine. I got it for a very good price in it's altered form. My kids love it.