ray said

When you do get back to your records I would be really grateful on those production numbers as apart from some educated guesses (around a thousand plus) I have not been able to nail down anything definite.  

Will do.  I get back in the country in a week or so and will be able to dig out the info.  There are 9 different catalog models of the Model 72 and 6 of them were scoped.  I think Winchester just lumped the production numbers of all 6 scoped versions together but at least it will give you a starting point.

Best Regards,

clarence said

Rather surprising to me that the scoped models were so popular, but helps explain the numbers of this model scope that show up on ebay.  Was there one of the 72s made without sight-slots in the barrel, like the M. 697?  Have always assumed that the number of buyers willing to be totally reliant on a scope would have been very small.  

Yes, 2 of the 6 Model 72 scoped models were supplied with a scope only and no iron sights.  The G7250R came with the Winchester No. 5 scope (5x) and the G7260R came with the No. 3 scope (2 3/4x).  Neither had provisions for sights.  Now, those 2 scoped models are very rare and, as you surmised, did not sell well.

While Winchester offered factory scoped versions of the 67, 68, 69 and 72 they would also supply a scope on many other .22 models as well.  unfortunately, they jumped on the low-cost scope bandwagon a bit late (Bill Weaver beat them to the punch) so sales were not that great.  While there were probably more Winchester scoped models made than many people realize, a good percentage of them were sold to Britain during 1939-1942 so you don’t see as many here in the U.S. proportional to the number produced.  Winchester was able to unload a lot of stagnant .22 inventory onto England during that time period as they were desperate for anything that went “bang” and especially desperate for optics. 

Regards,