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I am looking at two Model 63’s in upcoming auction and have questions about their configurations.
Model 63 serial #30167A , mfg date 1938, 20″ barrel. Per Red Book 20″ barrel ceased in 1936. Were 20″ barrels still available from Winchester in 1938?
Model 63 serial #116050, mfg 1953, 23″ barrel, grooved receiver. Per Red Book the grooved receiver was available in 1958. Were grooved receivers available and correct in 1953?
Thanks
Mac
Mac,
The serial number information for the Model 63 is an estimate, as the CFM records office does not have the PR records for this model (other than the WW II time period). I would first check the barrel date to verify when it was manufactured.
While Winchester may have announced the discontinuance of the 20-inch barrel in 1936, they undoubtedly had left-over barrels still on hand for a year or two, and they would have used them up as orders were received. Winchester was not in the business of pitching perfectly good parts in the recycle pile.
In regards to the grooved receiver introduction date, I suspect that it was available several years earlier than 1958. I am unsure where my friend Larry Shennum found the year of introduction for that feature.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
As always thanks for your input. Sounds reasonable. I won’t have a chance to check the 20″ barrel date unless I buy it but your response mitigates the risk in my mind. On the grooved receiver I’ll assume it is correct unless it shows clear evidence of being a homemade job which I think would be very difficult to do.
Best
Mac
Big Mac said
Bert,As always thanks for your input. Sounds reasonable. I won’t have a chance to check the 20″ barrel date unless I buy it but your response mitigates the risk in my mind. On the grooved receiver I’ll assume it is correct unless it shows clear evidence of being a homemade job which I think would be very difficult to do.
Best
Mac
Actually, it’s a fairly easy project on a milling machine with a dovetail cutter. About a 30 minute job. The easiest way to tell would be to get some good close up comparison photo’s of a known late production one with the factory cut grooves and compare it to the one you are interested in. If you check out my Frankenchester thread from a month or so back, That is a 1903 receiver I grooved on the mill.
Best,
Erin
Thanks Erin. I may be able to do a side-by-side comparison of a known late model 63 grooved receiver to the one in question.
Mac
Mac, I have a circa 1956 with serial # 146xxx and it does not have a grooved receiver. I have seen several others from early 50’s and none where grooved so likely someone machined the one your looking at.
Bob
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