WINCHESTER MODEL 50
Posted May 19, 2023
The Winchester Model 50 is one of the most iconic pump-action shotguns in the world. The legendary pump gun is the result of Winchester’s long history of gunmaking, and their commitment to providing a reliable, versatile, and accurate shotgun. It remains a popular choice for both hunting and recreational shooting.
The Model 50 is made from steel and features a 13-inch long magazine tube that holds up to five 2¾-inch shells. It also comes with an adjustable choke that allows the shooter to conveniently switch between improved cylinder and full choke. The gun also features a unique cocking system that allows the user to easily and quickly cycle through a round without needing to reposition their hands. Its simple design has made the Model 50 reliable even after years of use.
The Winchester Model 50 has a 28-inch barrel that is fitted with a ventilated rib and a plain front sight for improved accuracy. The gun is also fitted with an extended magazine and trigger guard. This makes the Model 50 easier to handle and adds to its ergonomic design.
The Model 50 features a unique two-piece construction. The upper part of the gun consists of the barrel and receiver, while the lower part houses the bolt, trigger parts, and internal magazine. This construction makes the Model 50 a very durable firearm that can withstand the toughest conditions.
The Model 50 is chambered in 12 gauge and accepts three different shells: 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 2-¾-inch magnum. Its versatility makes it ideal for big game and waterfowl hunting, as well as trap and skeet shooting. With its reliable construction, it can even be used for home defense and law enforcement applications.
In terms of performance, the Model 50 is an excellent shotgun. It has an exceptionally smooth action and is designed to quickly eject spent shells. With its five-shell capacity, the gun can fire a total of five rounds without needing to be reloaded. Its accuracy is also quite impressive, with the gun capable of shooting patterns less than four inches in size at distances of up to 40 yards.
The Winchester Model 50 is a popular choice amongst shotgun enthusiasts and is favored for its reliability and ease of use. It is perfect for both experienced shooters and beginners, and can be used for a variety of applications. It is also quite affordable, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for a quality pump-action shotgun.
Overall, the Winchester Model 50 is an excellent pump-action shotgun that just about anyone can enjoy. It is reliable, accurate, and easy to use, making it a great choice for all kinds of shooting applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, the Winchester Model 50 is an excellent choice for a quality, reliable pump-action shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely reliable due to its long-lasting and durable construction.
- Smooth and comfortable during use, due to the all-steel design and superior balance of the rifle.
- It is easy and fast to reload and the bolt has few parts which makes it easy to maintain and clean.
- It is rather light in weight with only 7.5 pounds compared to other similar rifles.
- The classic design makes it appealing in appearance and the value of the rifle tends to remain consistent.
Cons:
- It is not particularly suited for long range shooting due to the large spread at distances over 50 yards.
- It is also quite expensive due to its classic appeal and robust construction.
- The rifle has a reputation for producing more recoil than other shotguns of similar size.
- The parts are largely unavaible, and the rifles require significant maintenance and care if they are to remain reliable.
Who Should Buy
Anyone 18 and older with a valid firearms permit should buy the Winchester Model 50. Those who are under 18 years of age, do not have a valid firearms permit, or do not have an adequate amount of training on the proper use of firearms should not buy the Winchester Model 50.
Comparisons
| Product | Barrel Length | Action | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester Model 50 | 28 inches | Autoloader | 4+1 | 7.5-7.75 lbs |
| Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen | 26 or 28 inches | Autoloader | 2+1 | 6.6 lbs |
| Remington 11-87 Special Purpose | 28 inches | Autoloader | 4+1 | 7.25 lbs |
| Benelli SuperNova Tactical | 18.5 - 24.5 inches | Pump | 4+1 | 6.3 - 7.2 lbs |
| Remington 870 Express Tactical | 18 - 30 inches | Pump | 6+1 | 7.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Designed by John Moses Browning
• Semi-automatic shotgun
• Built by Winchester Repeating Arms Company
• Sold from 1939 to 1956
• Available in 12, 16 and 20 gauge
• 20-inch barrel with "Cylinder" bore
• 5-round capacity
• Accepts up to 2.75 inch shells
• 42.5 inch overall length
• Weight of 6.6 pounds
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for Winchester Model 50 shotguns include choke tubes, buttstocks, recoil pads, sling swivels, trigger guards, and magazine extensions. Other popular accessories include sights, slings, shell holders, and cleaning tools.
Accuracy
The Winchester Model 50 was designed for reliable, accurate long range shooting, and when tested, it had a very impressive accuracy level for a shotgun. This was due to its solid frame, smooth action, and improved barrel geometry. When fired, the Winchester Model 50 consistently produced excellent accuracy with tight shot patterns and relatively low recoil. The Model 50 could hit clays at 25 to 40 yards with ease and pattern well at 50 yards and beyond. Its great accuracy made it one of the most preferred sporting shotguns of its time.
