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August 14, 2021
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Greetings, just picked up a Model 67 and a Model 69 within a couple of weeks at auction. My question concerns the M69. How do I determine if my M69 is very early and does not have the rebounding firing pin, or post AUG 1935 with the rebounding firing pin? I have no idea WTH a rebounding firing pin specifically is. Has protruding takedown screw, so I reckon it’s def before 1937, correct. I’ll try for some pics later on. THX
Steve G
July 17, 2012
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Hi Steve,
It is a very simple visual determination, simply remove the bolt and look at the underside of the exposed portion of the firing pin. Since you are a WACA member I have posted the actual copywritten image I used in the book on the “Winchester Model 69” to quickly illustrate what you are looking for.
Also, it should be noted that although the pin design was changed for the rifles exported to Canada in late 1935, the remaining non-rebounding firing pins still in stock were assembled and used on the domestic model 69s well into 1936. Winchester did not consider the non-rebounding firing pin a serious safety issue, only an export problem. I have detailed the firing pin evolution on pages 158-161 in the book if you are able to borrow a copy.
Also, take a look at the butt plate, if the logo says “Winchester Trademark” it is the earlier style, if it does not say “Trademark” it is from late 1935-on.
Looking forward to your pictures!
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
August 14, 2021
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Thanks so much. I have the rebounding firing pin and no Trademark on the butt. So I reckon I’m in the later 35 to 37 group. I’ll have to search around for the book and pay up lol! I’ll get some pics up. It’s a nice 69, has the Humeston sight, good condition, got it for around $200 I think.
Stev
July 17, 2012
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Yep, that puts your rifle right into that late 1935-1937 range. If your rifle is not drilled/tapped for a scope it is a catalog # G6901R and $200 is a very good price these days.
To access the book, I know the McCracken Library in Cody has a copy, as well as the NRA Library, Library of Congress and about a dozen other regional libraries. If you can’t find one to borrow there are still a few left for sale here https://www.rimfirepublications.com/
They were printed in the USA, on US sourced materials and leather-bound so definitely not cheap – sorry. I could have had them printed in China for half the cost so the cover price was cheaper but that would have gone against my principles.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
August 14, 2021
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Pics, opinions please.
November 1, 2013
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Nice, clean, gun–just the condition I’d want for a gun I intended to shoot; original mag, too.
July 17, 2012
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Yes, that is a nice, all-original specimen that has been well taken care of, it should be a great shooter!
As Clarence mentioned, that is a period magazine that is correct for the rifle. Those original magazines are starting to get pricey so you may want to set that one aside and do your shooting with a Wisner’s magazine which functions identically to the original but at a fraction of the cost.
Thanks for the photos and congrats on your good score!
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
August 14, 2021
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Thanks gentlemen. I’ll put up the 67 next. I got the 67 for like 130$
July 17, 2012
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Steven Gabrielli said
Thanks gentlemen. I’ll put up the 67 next. I got the 67 for like 130$
Just the bolt is worth $130 these days.
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
November 1, 2013
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Steven Gabrielli said
Thanks gentlemen. I’ll put up the 67 next. I got the 67 for like 130$
Would you accept employment as my purchasing agent?
August 14, 2021
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Ha. There are deals to be had, with the smaller auction sites and patience with daily checking / browsing.
November 7, 2015
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Nicely done! I hope my next 69 has that rear sight!
Mike
