18 | WINCHESTERCOLLECTOR.ORG • Winter 2023 Unlike previous lever-action models, there were no cataloged special-order options listed for the Model 64. That stated, Winchester would entertain a customer’s request. One such special-order Model 64 is a 30 W.C.F. Deer Rifle that has a checkered trigger, and it is also one of the very small number of non 219 Zipper rifles with a No. 98A bolt peep sight. That trigger is detailed at right. Production of the Model 64 actually began in late 1932. As was the case with the late production Model 55 rifles, the Model 64 rifles were serial numbered entirely within the Model 94 serial number sequence. Serial number 1085230 (July 5, 1932) is very close to where the Model 64 production began, though I have found a small number of slightly earlier serial numbers that appear to be a case of Winchester using up older Model 94 receivers. Production of the Model 64 is found widely interspersed throughout the Model 94 serial number range from the approximate serial numbers of 1085230 to 2189618. Unlike any of the preceding Winchester lever-action models, the Model 64 was factory equipped with a pistolgrip butt stock as a standard feature. The butt stock also featured the same Whelen-style fluted comb that was used on the Model 55. Just like the Model 55, and its close cousin the Model 53, the Model 64 also had a cousin model … the Model 65, that was also introduced in January of 1933 (The Winchester Collector Winter 2016). As originally introduced, the forends on the Model 64 Sporting Rifles were dimensionally identical to those on the Model 94 Sporting Rifles, but just a few years into the production run, a new style semi-beavertail (fatter crosssection) forearm stock was introduced. During the course of the production run, at least three different sizes/shapes of forend stocks were used and will be encountered. The earliest production rifles are found with a 22H open (barrel mounted) rear sight only, but by August of 1933, Winchester began drilling and tapping the left upper rear side of the receiver frame for a receiver peep sight as a standard item. Oddly enough, the upper tang was also drilled and tapped for a tang peep sight until July of 1942 (circa s/n 1341646). This gave the discriminating shooter several different choices for his sighting equipment. Throughout the entire production run, the vast number of the Model 64 rifles will be found with a drilled and tapped receiver. The Lyman No. 56 receiver sight was listed as an optional sight through the 1953 catalog. Later production Model 64 rifles can be found with a factory installed Lyman No. 66A receiver sight. Because the factory did drill and tap the receiver frame on the majority of the Model 64 rifles, one should never discount or turn away from one that is found with a Lyman, Redfield, King or Williams receiver sight installed. The 1946 catalog shows that a Lyman No. 56 receiver sight option cost the discerning buyer an extra $12.95! Checkered trigger detail, image courtesy of Mark Wiprud. Model 64 Deer Rifle with Lyman No. 56 Receiver Sight
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