WINCHESTER MODEL 78 “JUNIOR TARGET MODEL” 22 LR FROM THE WINCHESTER GUN MUSEUM COLLECTION

A truly unique Winchester rimfire and a singular piece of factory history, this Winchester Model 78 “Junior Target Model” .22 LR, built in 1948, is a one-of-one sample model originating from the Winchester Gun Museum Collection.

Developed as an experimental rifle and bearing similarities to the Model 75, this Model 78 was never placed into production. It is unserialized, with no markings beyond factory proof marks and a barrel notation of “.217 bore diameter,” underscoring its status as an internal factory sample rather than a cataloged firearm.

The rifle is fitted with a 24" barrel and a tang-mounted Lyman peep sight, giving it the proper target-rifle profile Winchester was known for during this period. A correct steel butt plate completes the configuration. Weighing 6 lbs 5 oz with a 12¾" LOP, it has the solid, deliberate feel expected of a mid-century Winchester target concept.

Condition is excellent, with clean metal, crisp wood, and overall presentation consistent with careful institutional preservation.

A remarkable and historically significant Winchester—the only known Model 78 Junior Target rifle ever made—representing a rare glimpse into the company’s experimental design process and an extraordinary opportunity for the advanced Winchester collector.