Log In
December 31, 2012
Offline
I have another M69-A with a numbered bbl. that may well be an import. All I have seen have the import marks on the bbl, and then this happens. I just bought one with a numbered receiver, and a -52- dated bbl. Beautiful rifle, swept bolt, but not old enough to have a grooved receiver. 52 would appear the correct time frame. JWA has been sent pics, but as of today, he has not responded. Anyone have one like it? Big Larry
July 17, 2012
Offline
Big Larry said
I have another M69-A with a numbered bbl. that may well be an import. All I have seen have the import marks on the bbl, and then this happens. I just bought one with a numbered receiver, and a -52- dated bbl. Beautiful rifle, swept bolt, but not old enough to have a grooved receiver. 52 would appear the correct time frame. JWA has been sent pics, but as of today, he has not responded. Anyone have one like it? Big Larry
Hi Larry,
Sorry for the delay in responding but I am not home until the end of May and only have occasional access to the internet.
Regarding your very nice 69A, I think you mean EXPORT instead of import since Winchester possibly placed numbers on some of the rifles exported from the U.S.
I also mentioned that I don’t recall seeing a 69A with a serial number on the receiver, only the barrel. Yours has me intrigued because it is such a high number (101897). That number does not make any logical sense as it is at least 80,000 numbers above the highest known barrel serial number and more than 20,000 above the highest Model 75 serial number.
Interestingly, the number font and size is the same as that used on the Model 75 and looks to have been applied after polishing but prior to bluing so I suspect it was probably done by Winchester.
We may never know the story behind that rifle but I would very much like to take some photos of it when I get back.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 31, 2012
Offline
JWA said
Big Larry said
I have another M69-A with a numbered bbl. that may well be an import. All I have seen have the import marks on the bbl, and then this happens. I just bought one with a numbered receiver, and a -52- dated bbl. Beautiful rifle, swept bolt, but not old enough to have a grooved receiver. 52 would appear the correct time frame. JWA has been sent pics, but as of today, he has not responded. Anyone have one like it? Big LarryHi Larry,
Sorry for the delay in responding but I am not home until the end of May and only have occasional access to the internet.
Regarding your very nice 69A, I think you mean EXPORT instead of import since Winchester possibly placed numbers on some of the rifles exported from the U.S.
I also mentioned that I don’t recall seeing a 69A with a serial number on the receiver, only the barrel. Yours has me intrigued because it is such a high number (101897). That number does not make any logical sense as it is at least 80,000 numbers above the highest known barrel serial number and more than 20,000 above the highest Model 75 serial number.
Interestingly, the number font and size is the same as that used on the Model 75 and looks to have been applied after polishing but prior to bluing so I suspect it was probably done by Winchester.
We may never know the story behind that rifle but I would very much like to take some photos of it when I get back.
Best Regards,
DUH!!! There goes my 75 year old brain again. What about the bbl. date? Big Larry
July 17, 2012
Offline
The barrel date is perfectly normal, many 69As had barrel dates, especially between 1952-1956. What is your question about the date?
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 31, 2012
Offline
JWA said
The barrel date is perfectly normal, many 69As had barrel dates, especially between 1952-1956. What is your question about the date?Best Regards,
It is in the white. Stamped after bluing. All I have seen were blued over. This is a very strange rifle, but a 98%er for $275 + shipping? BTW, thanks for the 22 swivels. I will have to drill the holes out a little as they are very small. The rifle with the ringed bore will get the swivels and go to my Grandson. Again, my thanks to you for all you do. Big Larry
July 17, 2012
Offline
Larry,
You got a good deal at $275.
Your barrel date looks like it was applied prior to polishing and bluing since there do not appear to be raised edges (metal displacement) around the numbers. It looks exactly like the dozens I have.
However, the number on the receiver is unusual and VERY interesting.
Here is one of mine with a “52” barrel date for comparison.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
July 17, 2012
Offline
Larry, I added a barrel date photo for comparison in the above comment.
Regarding the Winchester swivels, you are welcome and no postage is necessary. They are a gift for your Grandson.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 31, 2012
Offline
JWA said
Larry, I added a barrel date photo for comparison in the above comment.Regarding the Winchester swivels, you are welcome and no postage is necessary. They are a gift for your Grandson.
Best Regards,
He is very appreciative, but won’t get to see them right away as he is in Italy visiting his parents. BTW, I installed them this PM and they are looking good.
I hate swiss cheesed stocks, they tend to ruin a good gun, but this one also has a ringed bore and none of this was disclosed when I bought it online. Settled for $188 shipped though, and it is very accurate even with the ring.
The bbl. date you sent is exactly like mine. Cool info, now for the Export numbers? Quite sure they are factory, but we need to find another for comparison.
Thank you my friend. Big Larry
July 9, 2006
Offline
I am really not adding any more to JWA expertise (heaven forbid) though I do live in a place Exported too so have seen a few but just to say I have not seen the export numbers on the receiver before either and the very high number caught my eye as well.
The font looks like the one Winchester used in its later days
December 31, 2012
Offline
ray said
I am really not adding any more to JWA expertise (heaven forbid) though I do live in a place Exported too so have seen a few but just to say I have not seen the export numbers on the receiver before either and the very high number caught my eye as well.The font looks like the one Winchester used in its later days
Cool Ray. I have another marked for export. It is a very late rifle with grooved receiver, made with a leftover M75 receiver. Rifle is a good 99% and was offered for sale on Rimfire Central at a price I could not pass up. I love M69 and M69-A’s, but my favorite’s are my M1873 22 short, and my M56 also a 22 short. Thanks for your input and picture. Big Larry
