Winchester 190 vs 290

DocHunter · May 29, 2018, 10:22 AM

I have a Winchester .22 L or LR semi-automatic rifle with barrel marked Model 190, Serial Number B2036***. In looking at the Manual for the 190 and 290, the 190 is pictured with a very plain stock and the 290 with much more attractive checkered stock. My "190" has a stock that appears to be identical to that pictured for the 290. The rifle had belonged to my late father and was used very little. The plastic knob on the Cocking Handle has been partially broken off. Would like to know about the stock differences mentioned above and where I might get a replacement Cocking Handle.
Thanks in advance for any help.

T. O'Heir · May 29, 2018, 12:58 PM

Gunparts lists 'used, original, M190 bolt handles at $22.30. No knobs only. You could make one out of epoxy with a masking tape mold.
The 190 is a variant of the 290. The 290 had a Monte Carlo, checkered, stock that the 190 does not. The 190 was made from 1967 to 1980. The 290 from 1963 to 1976. Both shot Short, Longs or Long Rifles.

**44 AMP** · May 29, 2018, 01:12 PM

Can't help with the cocking knob, sorry. Try Gunparts Co. (Numrich) to start..

The 190 and 290 (and a certain Ted Williams model) are the same gun, with cosmetic differences. The 290 had a nicer stock (walnut, or walnut stained) and checkering. Also the bolt was engine turned. I think, but am not sure, the 290 had a ramp front sight, the 190, just a blade....

The stocks are interchangeable and what you probably have is a 190 in a 290 stock. This could have been done by any previous owner, or even the shop /department/hardware store that originally sold it.

I recommend NOT taking it apart if you don't NEED to. Replacing the action spring is a ..bother...essentially you need to stuff a 9 inch spring back into a 4 inch space...one of the most frequently asked questions in "how do I get it back together", so if you don't need to take it apart, its best not to.

There are spray cleaners that can flush out any gunk you need removed.

Cornhusker77 · May 29, 2018, 02:30 PM

I've read that the 190 is the economy version of the 290, although some 190s apparently had the deluxe Walnut stock too.
Mechanically, I think they were the same, but the 290 had more shine.
I have a 190 and it's just got the plain stock.

SPIRIT · December 29, 2020, 10:18 PM

Dear Doc hunter, I know exactly the part you need and where to find a better version than the factory one that breaks. There is an online shop called "Jack First INC." There you can find a replacement charging handle that's made out of one piece of hardened tool steel for about $30. I just bought one for myself and it's excellent. Sorry for being 2 years late, cheers friend.

rc · December 29, 2020, 10:40 PM

Ted Williams 3T is a 190 with slightly different stock cut.

May 29, 2018, 10:22 AM	#1
DocHunter Junior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1	Winchester 190 vs 290 I have a Winchester .22 L or LR semi-automatic rifle with barrel marked Model 190, Serial Number B2036***. In looking at the Manual for the 190 and 290, the 190 is pictured with a very plain stock and the 290 with much more attractive checkered stock. My "190" has a stock that appears to be identical to that pictured for the 290. The rifle had belonged to my late father and was used very little. The plastic knob on the Cocking Handle has been partially broken off. Would like to know about the stock differences mentioned above and where I might get a replacement Cocking Handle. Thanks in advance for any help. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member, NAHC Trophy Life Member, LKS Life Member, NWTF Member, RMEF Member

May 29, 2018, 12:58 PM	#2
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Gunparts lists 'used, original, M190 bolt handles at $22.30. No knobs only. You could make one out of epoxy with a masking tape mold. The 190 is a variant of the 290. The 290 had a Monte Carlo, checkered, stock that the 190 does not. The 190 was made from 1967 to 1980. The 290 from 1963 to 1976. Both shot Short, Longs or Long Rifles. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

May 29, 2018, 01:12 PM	#3
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Can't help with the cocking knob, sorry. Try Gunparts Co. (Numrich) to start.. The 190 and 290 (and a certain Ted Williams model) are the same gun, with cosmetic differences. The 290 had a nicer stock (walnut, or walnut stained) and checkering. Also the bolt was engine turned. I think, but am not sure, the 290 had a ramp front sight, the 190, just a blade.... The stocks are interchangeable and what you probably have is a 190 in a 290 stock. This could have been done by any previous owner, or even the shop /department/hardware store that originally sold it. I recommend NOT taking it apart if you don't NEED to. Replacing the action spring is a ..bother...essentially you need to stuff a 9 inch spring back into a 4 inch space...one of the most frequently asked questions in "how do I get it back together", so if you don't need to take it apart, its best not to. There are spray cleaners that can flush out any gunk you need removed. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

May 29, 2018, 02:30 PM	#4
Cornhusker77 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2009 Posts: 219	I've read that the 190 is the economy version of the 290, although some 190s apparently had the deluxe Walnut stock too. Mechanically, I think they were the same, but the 290 had more shine. I have a 190 and it's just got the plain stock.

December 29, 2020, 10:18 PM	#5
SPIRIT Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2020 Posts: 1	Dear Doc hunter, I know exactly the part you need and where to find a better version than the factory one that breaks. There is an online shop called "Jack First INC." There you can find a replacement charging handle that's made out of one piece of hardened tool steel for about $30. I just bought one for myself and it's excellent. Sorry for being 2 years late, cheers friend.

December 29, 2020, 10:40 PM	#6
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Ted Williams 3T is a 190 with slightly different stock cut.