First Variation Winder Musket
    • High wall action: Features the high-profile receiver covering most of the hammer/breech area from the side.
    • Caliber configuration: Primarily chambered for .22 Long (.92% of early surveys) and some .22 Short.
    • Forearm design: Early full-length military stock configuration without finger grooves, featuring a cleaning rod layout shown in early catalogs. 
Second Variation Winder Musket
    • High wall action: Retained the high wall frame style while updating components.
    • Sights: Equipped with a barrel-mounted Springfield Krag Model 1901 wind-gauge rear sight to closely mirror service arms.
    • Chambering shift: Transitioned more heavily toward standard .22 Long Rifle utilization alongside continued .22 Short. 
Third Variation Winder Musket
    • Low wall action: Shifted from the high wall frame to a low wall receiver configuration.
    • Sights and features: Featured updated receiver peep sights and a simplified one-band forearm with a finger groove (omitting the older cleaning rod setup). 
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A Receiver Design variation was also made: In manufacturing the third-model Winder Musket (Model 87), Winchester utilized surplus "high wall" receiver forgings that were machined and cut down on the sides to mimic the profile of a "low wall" action.