I came across a match 69a rifle that is missing the external part of the lyman 57 (I am assuming…not sure if e /ew) sight. The cut out (stock inletting) for the bar with the 2 screws is visible but there is a deeper cutout rear of the two screws that seems to be there to accomodate the missing elevation adjustment piece. Is the rear cutout “stock” and if so is it required to make room for the lyman 57? Also, the missing elevation piece has F 93 stamped on it. Thanks for thoughts. (I did read that Winchester started offering other micrometer rear sights on their 69A Match, other than 57e/ew, but if so, I have no idea what those sights would have been. Thanks.
Hi Bryan,
I believe you came to the right place for answers. I see that you are a guest, for full access to the site and extra posting abilities please consider becoming a full member in the future.
To answer your question(s), the 69A Match was introduced in December 1940, at that time (and until 1942) it came equipped with the Lyman 57E rear sight. When the war ended and production of the Model 69A resumed in 1946 the G6941R Match rifle was then equipped with the Lyman 57EW. They are essentially the same sight with the same CtC hole spacing however the arm for the 57E/57EW/57ES is at a slightly different height on the receiver which modifies the inletting. In no case was the stock cut for the elevation arm on the 69A Match, the only instance of that occurring was on the G7505R Model 75 Target USGI Training rifle where the stock was notched for the elevation arm screw threads so it could be fully depressed.
It sounds like your 69A Match rifle in question has been modified but pictures would really help to make the final determination. As a guest you cannot post them directly (refer to the opening statement) but you can email them to me and I can post them for you so we can see what you have. The 69A Match rifles are, in general, the “best of the best” of the Model 69 rifles. Also, just as an FYI, the 69A Match was discontinued in 1952. What makes you think your rifle is newer than that as noted in your title?
Looking forward to seeing your rifle.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
JWA, thank you. I went back to the gunstore, and the barrel was marked LR, L, S, so it was not a MATCH 69A as I initially thought based on the front blade and rear lyman sight. I can only presume a previous owner was trying to “make” a match rifle. Based on the grooved receiver I figured ’54 and non-chrome trigger and guard , so earlier than ’57. Besides the stock having a rough non-original cutout the barrel is lightly spotted in surface rust. $250.
Hi Bryan,
$250 is not a bad price for any grooved 69A, they are great shooting rifles and the ability to attach a scope without modifying the rifle for us old guys with poor eyesight is a bonus.
The pre-war version of the 69A Match rifle was marked .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle on the barrel. After 1945 they were marked for .22 Long Rifle only.
There was a new model 69 introduced in the late 1950’s called the “69 Junior Target Shooter’s Special” aka JTSS. This version of the 69A also came with a Lyman 57EW sight with the 93B “shark fin” front sight and the barrel was marked with .22 S, L or LR. These are highly collectable and decent shooters in their own right. The JTSS came with a single sling swivel on the forend and NO sling swivel on the butt.
The JTSS has currently been selling in the $450-$600 range in good condition so it may be worth taking a second look at the one in the gun store.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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