Model 65 .218 Bee|General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

Stephen Crudele said
A friend has a Winchester Model 65 in .218 Bee.  Serial number is 100237X. From what I find that places DOM in 1934, three years before the .218 Bee came out. Is this a rebarrel? It does have the bolt peep.  

Stephen,

I recently wrote and published an article about the Model 65.  Based on my research, serial number 1002305 was the last receiver serialized in the year 1933, indicating serial number 100237x was most likely manufactured in January of 1934.  The 218 Bee cartridge was introduced in the latter half of the year 1937.  With that stated, Production of the Model 65 took place during the Great Depression, and serialized receiver frames sat in the assembly room bins/racks for extended amounts of time before being used to assemble a rifle.  If you check the 2-digit date on the bottom of the barrel, it will undoubtedly be marked “37”.  Thus far, I have found serialized receivers as high as 1003226 with a “37” marked 218 Bee barrel.  For my research survey, I would like to know what the complete serial number is, and if possible, the 2-digit year number marked on the bottom of the barrel (see the attached picture).

Bert

Stephen Crudele said
Bert, I will see the owner on Friday and get the info for you. Thanks, Steve  

Thank you, I appreciate it

Bert

It is one your’s… 982953. I also have 997143, 999956, 1000889, 1001314, 1001891, and 1002052. I suspect that all of them were assembled using previously unused receiver frames.

Bert