I am looking to purchase a nice Model 69 made about 1935-37. It has scope bases installed. The buyer doesn’t know and neither do I whether the drill and tap holes were factory installed of were done later. If not factory I would not buy the gun for my collection. Can anyone tell me if the Model 69 was drilled and tapped on the receiver for a scope. I suspect not.
November 7, 2015

Where are the bases installed? If both are on the receiver your suspicions may be correct.
Mike
Dave Kenney said
I am looking to purchase a nice Model 69 made about 1935-37. It has scope bases installed. The buyer doesn’t know and neither do I whether the drill and tap holes were factory installed of were done later. If not factory I would not buy the gun for my collection. Can anyone tell me if the Model 69 was drilled and tapped on the receiver for a scope. I suspect not.
Yes, some versions of the Model 69 were drilled and tapped for scopes commencing in 1937 and continued until 1942 (overlapping the Model 69A production which was introduced in 1938).
Some of the Model 69 scoped models had one base on the barrel and the rear base on top of the front ring of the receiver. Others had both bases on the barrel. The base hole spacing was VERY precise on the Model 69 with no deviations noted. The base spacing differs for the 5x scope and the 2 3/4X scopes though and changed with the relocation of the rear base between barrel and receiver.
To determine if they are factory, check the location of the proof marks. They should be on the left side of the barrel and receiver.
Pictures would help us help you determine originality. As Mike mentioned, if BOTH bases are on the receiver then it is not original.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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