Winchester · Rifle
Winchester Self-Loading Model 1907
Blowback (semi-automatic) · .351 Winchester Self-Loading · introduced 1907
Also known as Model 1907 SL, Winchester 1907, 1907 Self-Loader
About the Winchester Self-Loading Model 1907
The Winchester Self-Loading Model 1907 is a blowback-operated semi-automatic rifle designed by T.C. Johnson and produced by Winchester from 1907 to 1957. Chambered in the proprietary .351 Winchester Self-Loading cartridge, it fed from detachable 5, 10, 15, or 20-round box magazines. During World War I, the rifle was purchased in modest quantities by France, Imperial Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with French-issued examples being converted to selective-fire (full-automatic) capability for trench and aircraft use.
French aviators in WWI strapped the Model 1907 to early biplanes and converted them to full-auto fire (around 700 rpm) - making the humble Winchester sporting rifle one of the earliest aerial machine guns before purpose-built aircraft armament became standard.
Winchester Self-Loading Model 1907 specifications
General
- Type
- Rifle
- Action
- Blowback (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- .351 Winchester Self-Loading
- Magazine capacity
- 5 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 510 mm (20.1 in)
- Overall length
- 1000 mm (39.4 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.60 kg (7.94 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Wood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 564 m/s (1850 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 1855 J (1368 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 200 m
History
- Introduced
- 1907
- Discontinued
- 1957
- Production status
- Out of production
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- Thomas Crossley Johnson
Features
- Detachable box magazine
- Takedown design
- Iron sights
Safety
- Manual safety
One of the first commercially successful semi-automatic centerfire rifles. Production totaled roughly 58,000 units across all variants over its 50-year run. The Police Rifle variant was favored by Depression-era law enforcement agencies for its firepower against vehicle armor.
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