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December 21, 2006
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This piece may not be anything special to some, but it’s the first Mod. 65 I’ve ever had. It’s going to the range tomorrow so I’ll see hhhow it compares to the 1892 25-20 that I like so well
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
November 7, 2015
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I agree, that 65 is indeed something special! Hope you have a great day at the range with her, maybe you should take that 25-20 along.
Mike
December 21, 2006
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Yes Michael , they’ll both be there, I’d go today but it’s raining and windy
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 30, 2023
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Looks pretty special to me, I’m on the hunt for (a reasonably priced) one! Perhaps I’ll see one in Cody (or Waco, Mike?) that will follow me home.
April 15, 2005
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It is one of the (739) Model 65 rifles that I have documented thus far in my research survey. The total Model 65 production is currently estimated to have been 7,730 rifles, of which 4,400 were 218 Bees.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 19, 2013
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Thats a beauty Henry! My favorite winchester model. I have two model 65’s one in 25-20 and one 218bee. Still need the 32 wcf…..i had one before but let it go not knowing what i had! Both shoot dead nuts at 100 yards!
ENJOY!!!
December 21, 2006
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Thanks Bert, for the #’s
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 2, 2024
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Unfamiliar with the lineage but that appears to be an attractive example in excellent condition. Enjoy it!
December 21, 2006
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Thanks for the kind remarks. The mod. 65 is not one of My collectables, I took it on a trade just because of condition and I figure it’s well worth the $6500.00 or U.S., $9000.00 Cdn. I allowed for it. It will be for sale or trade along with 3 boxes of ammo , after I take it out to the range in the next day or two.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 30, 2023
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These won’t letter with orig configs, correct?
April 15, 2005
Online
Jeremy P said
These won’t letter with orig configs, correct?
Correct. All of the Model 65 rifles were manufactured & serialized in the late Model 92 range (999xxx – 1007608).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 21, 2006
Online
Sorry . Ser3 . is 1,004,121
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 1, 2005
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Bert H. said
It is one of the (739) Model 65 rifles that I have documented thus far in my research survey. The total Model 65 production is currently estimated to have been 7,730 rifles, of which 4,400 were 218 Bees.Bert
The depression era Winchester levers were limited in production and survivors with condition are rare. There are certainly not enough to go around. I think the 32 WCF is the rarest caliber but the 218 Bee has always been the most desirable. With the bolt peep and the standard 26″ barrel, the Bee is a cool looking little lever gun.
April 15, 2005
Online
Burt Humphrey said
Bert H. said
It is one of the (739) Model 65 rifles that I have documented thus far in my research survey. The total Model 65 production is currently estimated to have been 7,730 rifles, of which 4,400 were 218 Bees.
Bert
The depression era Winchester levers were limited in production and survivors with condition are rare. There are certainly not enough to go around. I think the 32 WCF is the rarest caliber but the 218 Bee has always been the most desirable. With the bolt peep and the standard 26″ barrel, the Bee is a cool looking little lever gun.
Burt,
The 25-20 WCF is the least common of the Model 65 calibers, and the 218 Bee was made with a 24-inch barrel versus a 26-inch barrel (22-inch for the 25-20 and 32 WCF).
| 218 BEE | 25-20 W.C.F. | 32 W.C.F. |
| 424 surveyed | 138 surveyed | 177 surveyed |
| 57.37% | 18.67% | 23.95% |
| 4,436 estimated total | 1,444 estimated total | 1,852 estimated total |
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 1, 2005
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Bert – I was only off a couple of inches! I just remembered the Bee was 2 inches longer than the 25-20 and 32-20 – should of looked. I have never been able to remember this stuff like you do – I have read your Collector articles. The 65 and 53 were always hard for collectors to find in decent condition in any of the available calibers.
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