The rifles were brand-labeled verions of the Mossberg model 640K. Revelation being the name used by Western Auto on all their brand labeled guns, regardless of the original manufacturer
If you were not aware, there was a time in America when you could buy a rifle at the auto parts store, the hardware store, department store, hell even some gas stations sold rifles...….and our crime rate was a fraction of what it is now...
The Mossberg 640K was introduced in 1959, the same year Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union and Jiffy Pop popcorn hit the market.
It was also in 1959 when Winchester introduced the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimifire (.22 WMR).
The .22 Long Rifle top and .22 Magnum bottom.
There are only a few things that are unique about this rifle.
It feeds from a box magazine loaded from underneath and has a built in scope rail, as well as threaded holes for a factory Mossberg S-330 Peep Sight.
The factory equipped sights were standard affair, buckhorn rear with ramp elevation adjustment and dovetailed post in front.
The bolt is farther forward that what most bolt action rifle shooters might be accustomed to.
The bolt, which cocks on opening, does not rotate with the handle. In addition the bolt is equipped with dual opposing extractors for positive extraction of spent cases.
photo courtsey of ebay
The trigger guard and receiver end cap are made of plastic, as are the butt plate and grip cap.
The receivers were bead blasted prior to bluing for a matte finish, the barrel received a standard satin blued finish. The trigger and bolt body appear to be wearing a satin, nickel plated finish.
The stock on our subject gun is walnut, but I have read that the guns made in later years had stocks made from hardwood. This could help narrow down the year of manufacture.
Specs:
Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
Action: Bolt action, repeater
Trigger Pull: 3.5 lbs average
Length of Pull: 13 3/4"
Magazine: Box magazine, 5 & 10 round capacity
Barrel: 8 groove rifling
Barrel Length: 24"
Overall Length: 44 3/4"
Weight: 6 lbs
Finish: Blued steel, walnut stock, plastic trim
Manufactured: 1959-1984
It turns out that the magazines are the same as the Savage model 93 .22 Magnum & 17 HMR rifles. I found an online seller advertising these Savage mags for the Mossberg. I happen to own a Savage model 93-17 and so I tested the mag in the Revelation. It fit and functioned perfectly.
Part number 90001 for the 5 rounder and 90010 for the 10 round magazine.
Of course the Savage 93 series started life as the Lakefield Arms model 93. I am guessing Lakefield copied the Mossberg magazine, rather than recreate the wheel so to speak.
This post was inspired by a rifle my Father purchased. It features a factory Revelation branded scope. The stock is walnut with some mild figuring and includes a plastic grip cap and butt plate both with white line spacers. A set of 1" sling swivels rounds out the package.
The magazine you see here is the same one I had in my Savage model 93-17.
Sources:
Rimfire Central Forums
Gun Data
