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April 20, 2011
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I picked up this 69A today. It has a grooved receiver, Lyman 57 EW sight, shark fin front sight, has a blank in the rear dovetail, and a sling swivel on the forend only. Also the stamping in the pistol grip. I think this is this a Junior Target Shooter’s Special. Am I correct?
July 17, 2012
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Hi,
Yes, you are correct, that is a JTSS. Additionally, your rifle was manufactured in the summer of 1961, was originally shipped to Griffin and Howe in NY and then transferred to Abercrombie and Fitch where it was then sold. It can be lettered through Griffin and Howe which will contain the date received from G&H by Abercrombie and Fitch, the date it was sold and who it was sold to. I highly recommend you spend the few extra $$ to obtain a G&H letter as it will add to the overall value of your rifle.
Contact Bob Beach at G&H Research and give him the W3055 number stamped on the pistol grip. http://secure.griffinhowe.com/research-news.cfm
The G&H and Abercrombie and Fitch rifles are covered in Chapter 9 of my upcoming book on the Model 69.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 20, 2011
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Thanks Jeff. I will put this rifle up for sale as soon as I can take some decent pictures outside. What is the price range on these guns? I saw an earlier post where a similar rifle was sold in $1200-$1400 range? Thanks, Dana
July 17, 2012
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A VERY good JTSS will sell between $500-$800. I recently paid about $1100 for a G&H lettered JTSS in the original box with the original Abercrombie and Fitch packing tape still on the box. They don’t get much better than that. I personally have not seen one sell in the $1200-$1400 range and if they did I would consider it an auction anomaly.
Please let me know when you plan on selling it as I would be interested in it for my personal collection.
Let me know if I can help in any other manner.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
July 17, 2012
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I should add one other item, please examine your rifle and take some good, clear photos of the stock finish. The W3055 was stamped by A&F after they received the rifle from Winchester or Griffin & Howe (over the original finish). Your rifle “appears” to have finish in the bottom of the W3055 stamp which may indicate the stock was refinished or an over-coat applied but I cannot be certain based upon the single photo. With the rifle in hand you are in a better position to determine original finish than I.
For comparison, here is what the stamps look like over the original finish, note the slight “flaking” of the finish around the edges and the lack of finish in the valleys of the stamp marks (Model 69 W2996) which is typical of the markings found on A&F rifles.
And, here is a photo of an A&F rifle (W666) that has had an additional over-coat of finish applied over the pistol grip marking post-sale.
Hope this helps,
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 20, 2011
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Thank you for the info.
The stamp on my rifle definitely isn’t sanded or buffed like Your second picture. It may have an extra coat of varnish, I am not sure. The stamping looks good and sharp.
The rifle I mentioned that sold for $1400 was being discussed on this forum in July 2018. It sold on Gunbroker. I will try to get some pics today. Thanks, Dana
April 20, 2011
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Here are more pictures of the 69A Junior Target Shooter’s Special. The stock has a small dent on the right side. I am asking $1095 plus shipping. I will do $1000 plus actual shipping for WACA members. Email Me at [email protected] Thanks, Dana
July 17, 2012
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Hi Dana,
Thanks for the additional photos, with the clearer pictures the stock finish looks original to me.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 20, 2011
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Ok, Thanks Jeff. Thank you for sharing your wisdom on these Winchester 22’s.
Dana
