Winchester Collector - Forum: General Discussions & Questions

Bert H. on Winchester Model 24

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:49:03 +0000

Please provide clear detailed pictures of the gun to include all of the factory markings on both barrels.

The partial serial number you mention indicates that the gun was manufactured in late June 1939.

Bert

PlumberDude on Winchester Model 24

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:51:40 +0000

Hello, I have a model 24 that I’m having trouble getting accurate information on. The shotgun in question is a low number(362x), which indicates 1940 manufacture. However, my consternation comes with this shotgun having one octagon and one round barrel. It’s 12 gauge and all the information I can find indicates that only round barrels were produced. The gun also has a checkered forearm and grip, which I’m sure are not factory produced. The wood appears to be well fitted and possibly original to the gun. Forearm has #90 stamped into the wood and buttstock has correct Winchester black plastic buttplate.Looking down the sight line, left barrel is octagonal and right is round. Left barrel has all of the standard Winchester markings. Both barrels have proof stamps. Round barrel has no other markings on top. Bottom marks indicate octagon as Modified and round as full choke.There is also a second serial number(matching) stamped on the locking lug of the octagon barrel.

Any insight or thoughts would be appreciated.

oldcrankyyankee on Somthing not often talked about here

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:56:02 +0000

I can go on all day about the USMC KD (known distance) course. One thing was the rapid fire, 10 rounds in 60 seconds and had to come from 2 separate mags. I never scored less than a possible, all 10 in the 5ring, at either line. I had the timing down so well the range NCOIC would be just starting his " cease fire, cease fire" when I would let the last round down range! Man do I miss those days!!!

I think at the time the Marine Corps had the longest qual course at 500 yards. And for the record, that was a total GAS! 10 rounds, slow fire on the B mod target. Man size silhouette. I used to get so giddy out there at that line, never really made a bad shot unless I goofed on the mirage, then it would be a 4. But not very often! And we were doing it with our issued service rifle and standard post front sight and adjustable rear peep sight. No armorer rework on your rifle. Well except if you were his drinking buddy he would quietly file the stupid little nub off the front sight post so you had a crisp sharp top line on it. ahh the good old days! Semper fi Mac!!

Chuck on Somthing not often talked about here

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:15:23 +0000

When I was in every distance was in meters, not yards. We qualified the M 16 out to 300 meters. Some of got to shoot a lot farther out. Not for record, just because we shot expert at 300 M.

Chuck on Somthing not often talked about here

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:09:04 +0000

oldcrankyyankee said

TXGunNut said
Looks like you have the makings of a calendar photo. Winchester's war efforts are a major part of the history of the company.

Mike

Calendar photo???!!! Hell i can't even get the stupid pictures to transfer over upright Mike! And you want me to try to make a picture for the calendar? I will get laughed out of town.

Brad will help you!

Chuck on Somthing not often talked about here

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:06:55 +0000

oldcrankyyankee said

Chuck said
Nice set up. What vintage is the rifle?


Not sure the year of receiver. I can tell you it is all Winchester except the barrel which is 51 Springfield. PS thanks for flipping the picture Chuck! It has an original oiler, cleaning rod with case and combo tool. The bayonet is a M-1943 model and the case is a "case, paratrooper, m1950. Couldn't look the gift horse in the mouth.

From what I have been told the jump bags were used during Korea. Mine is marked 82nd Airborne. But I don't think they were in Korea during the war?

Bert H. on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:38:26 +0000

oldcrankyyankee said

Bert H. said

Chuck said
I have never even picked up a M 14. We got M 16's. Three of my friends and I went to lunch Saturday and they all liked their M 14"s.


We carried (6) of M14 rifles on all of the submarines I served on. I first qualified with an M14 in early 1980, and then continued to requalify with them up until 1998. Shortly after I retired from active duty (February 2000), the Navy Submarine force switched to the M16A3, and also added a pair of M60s to the small arms lockers.
I personally like the M14 rifles, as they shot well for me (I always shot a perfect score with them, all 30-rounds in the X-ring).
Bert


Bert, I have to know. At what distance were you shooting and what position? I had to shoot the M16a2 Hbar at 200, 300, and 500 yards. When I made the battalion rifle team and shot the National Match course it was 200,300 and 600 yard!

The U.S. Navy M14 Qualification course was 30-rounds at 100 yds, 10 standing, 10 kneeling, and 10 prone. I routinely put all but 1 - 2 shots in the X-ring, with the outliers in the 10-ring. I easily scored 300 points every time I qualified/requalified.

usmc1978 on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:11:41 +0000

My Garand is Winchester, but I don't have that fancy bolt. Actually, my rifle probably has more SA parts on it than WRA.

Don't forget ammo...WRA has made and continues to make ammo for the armed forces.

TXGunNut on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 01:06:44 +0000

oldcrankyyankee said

TXGunNut said
Looks like you have the makings of a calendar photo. Winchester's war efforts are a major part of the history of the company.

Mike

Calendar photo???!!! Hell i can't even get the stupid pictures to transfer over upright Mike! And you want me to try to make a picture for the calendar? I will get laughed out of town.

Yes I do! Brad doesn't care what the orientation may be, I guarantee he can fix that. I think he's looking for focus, lighting and composition and can help you with that.

Mike

oldcrankyyankee on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:43:05 +0000

TXGunNut said
Looks like you have the makings of a calendar photo. Winchester's war efforts are a major part of the history of the company.

Mike

Calendar photo???!!! Hell i can't even get the stupid pictures to transfer over upright Mike! And you want me to try to make a picture for the calendar? I will get laughed out of town.

oldcrankyyankee on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:38:53 +0000

Bert H. said

Chuck said
I have never even picked up a M 14. We got M 16's. Three of my friends and I went to lunch Saturday and they all liked their M 14"s.

We carried (6) of M14 rifles on all of the submarines I served on. I first qualified with an M14 in early 1980, and then continued to requalify with them up until 1998. Shortly after I retired from active duty (February 2000), the Navy Submarine force switched to the M16A3, and also added a pair of M60s to the small arms lockers.
I personally like the M14 rifles, as they shot well for me (I always shot a perfect score with them, all 30-rounds in the X-ring).
Bert

Bert, I have to know. At what distance were you shooting and what position? I had to shoot the M16a2 Hbar at 200, 300, and 500 yards. When I made the battalion rifle team and shot the National Match course it was 200,300 and 600 yard!

Jman on I need Help! Looking for a reference book regarding Model 1866 and 1873 Winchesters

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:31:16 +0000

426crown said
Jamie--Look for Volume 1 of the Art Pirkle book on the 66 and 73. Do a google search for Winchester rifle books, and don't buy the 1st one you find, some sellers are greedy--Bill

Thank you Bill for your recommendation! It’s well appreciated!!! 👍

oldcrankyyankee on Somthing not often talked about here

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:30:12 +0000

Chuck said
Nice set up. What vintage is the rifle?

Not sure the year of receiver. I can tell you it is all Winchester except the barrel which is 51 Springfield. PS thanks for flipping the picture Chuck! It has an original oiler, cleaning rod with case and combo tool. The bayonet is a M-1943 model and the case is a "case, paratrooper, m1950. Couldn't look the gift horse in the mouth.

Jman on I need Help! Looking for a reference book regarding Model 1866 and 1873 Winchesters

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:29:29 +0000

Anthony said

Jman said
Greetings to everyone!!!
Today I became a member of the Winchester Arms Collectors Association. I’m pretty excited to learn more about the history of Winchester and converse with some knowledgeable people in the field.
Im looking for a good reference book regarding the Winchester Model 1866 and 1873. I hoping to locate a book with plenty of photos, that emphasizes on the production, variations, roll marks, and stamping. Should anyone out there know of a couple of good books?? Let me know. Thanks!!!!


Welcome Jman,

1873man said
Jman,
Welcome to the forum. I mostly into the 1873 and am doing a survey on them. I would suggest the Winchester Book by Madis. It covers most the models but does have some inaccuracies and pictures are not great. That is the book I started out with. For the 73 alone, Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute by Jim Gordon. Expensive but loaded with good info and great pictures. What the different stamps looked like through out production. The other one which does have some good parts is The 1873 Handbook by George Stone.
Bob


As Bob stated, and I'm in complete agreement, you can't go wrong with his suggestions! IMHO! I will add that the older book by Harold F. Williamson, "Winchester The Gun that Won the West", is an older reference also, but not only will help tremendously on the Winchester History, but very affordable as far as a Reference book goes, and understanding why Winchester made some of the interesting moves they made, due to the economic times, way back when!
Tony

Hey Tony!!

Thank you for your good advice!! I just ordered my copy!! I appreciate your advice!! 👍