Winchester Hornet Model43

Question
I am trying to find the age of a Winchester Model 43 Hornet with a serial number of 54384A.  Thank you for whatever feedback you can give me.

Answer
Chad,

You have what was sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Model 70".  There were approximately 62,000 of these guns manufactured between 1949 and 1957.  They were available in the following calibers:  .218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .25-20 WCF or .32-20 WCF.    If you have the "Deluxe" model, that would be a pretty special gun.  I can't be completely sure but based on the serial number, I would estimate 1957 or 1958 as the approximate date of manufacture.

If it is in pretty good shape, I'd consider hanging on to it.  In 90% condition these are worth about $450.  If it is a "deluxe" model you can add another $225 to the value.

Hope this helps you out.

Doug Little