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December 19, 2025
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Hi all,
New to this most interesting and informative forum.
Recently picked up a nice condition model 75 Target.
Appears to be all original save the bolt handle.
It has a hollow bolt knob
By the serial number the rifle is a 1949 DOM.
The bolt is serialized to the rifle.
All the model 75’s that I see have a solid bolt knob.
Could this be original or could it have been replaced at some point?
Apart from the hollow knob, the handle looks correct (to me at least).
I know pics are integral to formulate an accurate response but I haven’t figured out how to post them yet.
Working on it.
July 17, 2012
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Hi 426 Hemi,
Welcome to the WACA Forum!
Yes, the knob could have been replaced or drilled. The Model 75 knobs did not have a hole. It would have been very easy to drill it in the style of the Model 52.
I have already seen the images you posted on Rimfire Central if that helps.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 19, 2025
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426 Hemi said
Hi all,
New to this most interesting and informative forum.
Recently picked up a nice condition model 75 Target.
Appears to be all original save the bolt handle.
It has a hollow bolt knob
By the serial number the rifle is a 1949 DOM.
The bolt is serialized to the rifle.
All the model 75’s that I see have a solid bolt knob.
Could this be original or could it have been replaced at some point?
Apart from the hollow knob, the handle looks correct (to me at least).
I know pics are integral to formulate an accurate response but I haven’t figured out how to post them yet.
Working on it.
Thanks for the response on both forums lol.
At least you saw the pics.
Does it hurt value much?
Is it worth searching out an original handle?
July 17, 2012
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It is interesting and, while not original, should not hurt the overall value by too much.
The bolt handle and sleeve can be replaced with an original for about $75 so that is all I would deduct from the value since the bolt body (with the original serial number) can be retained.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 19, 2025
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Good to know.
Much appreciated
December 13, 2006
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. . . .But if you do replace only the handle . . . .The headspace MIGHT be effected.
March 31, 2009
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Jim F in CT said
. . . .But if you do replace only the handle . . . .The headspace MIGHT be effected.
The handle has nothing to do with the headspace. Headspace is the area between the bolt Face and the backside of the cartridge.
December 13, 2006
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Chuck said
Jim F in CT said
. . . .But if you do replace only the handle . . . .The headspace MIGHT be effected.
The handle has nothing to do with the headspace. Headspace is the area between the bolt Face and the backside of the cartridge.
Ahh . . . .But it DOES . . . .
You are correct in what you say, BUT . . .
Because the bolt locks in battery at the root of the handle, the handle must turn down FULLY in its’ recess.
A cartridge in the chamber must allow the handle to fully seat.
If a chambered cartridge will NOT allow this seating, metal must be “shaved” or stoned off the root to allow the seating of the handle.
March 31, 2009
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Jim F in CT said
Chuck said
Jim F in CT said
. . . .But if you do replace only the handle . . . .The headspace MIGHT be effected.
The handle has nothing to do with the headspace. Headspace is the area between the bolt Face and the backside of the cartridge.
Ahh . . . .But it DOES . . . .
You are correct in what you say, BUT . . .
Because the bolt locks in battery at the root of the handle, the handle must turn down FULLY in its’ recess.
A cartridge in the chamber must allow the handle to fully seat.
If a chambered cartridge will NOT allow this seating, metal must be “shaved” or stoned off the root to allow the seating of the handle.
So what you are saying is, if the handle is not installed properly there may be a problem or some handles are made differently and could cause this problem?
December 13, 2006
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Chuck said
Jim F in CT said
Chuck said
Jim F in CT said
. . . .But if you do replace only the handle . . . .The headspace MIGHT be effected.
The handle has nothing to do with the headspace. Headspace is the area between the bolt Face and the backside of the cartridge.
Ahh . . . .But it DOES . . . .
You are correct in what you say, BUT . . .
Because the bolt locks in battery at the root of the handle, the handle must turn down FULLY in its’ recess.
A cartridge in the chamber must allow the handle to fully seat.
If a chambered cartridge will NOT allow this seating, metal must be “shaved” or stoned off the root to allow the seating of the handle.
So what you are saying is, if the handle is not installed properly there may be a problem or some handles are made differently and could cause this problem?
Yes . . .the handle MUST be installed properly or a problem MIGHT arise.
As an example:
Once I had a M69 that came to me without a bolt.
A fellow trap shooter that was retired from Winchester, gave me a new complete bolt. (He had some real stories to tell about his tenure with Winchester)
He told me it would need fitting to my rifle.
Sho’ nuff . . . . . It did!
The locking surface on the back side of the root needed stoning to ensure closing of the bolt on a chambered cartridge.
I did so, and everything came together beautifully!
November 7, 2015
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Y’all need to take a very close look at the bolt and handle on a 69, 75 or similar rifle.
Mike
December 19, 2025
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Is the bolt handle not threaded and staked in place on that raised lug on the bolt?
If so replacing the bolt in this manner should not affect the headspacing yes?
Or if replacing complete bolt handle with cocking sleeve?
This again should not affect headspace?
November 7, 2015
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426 Hemi said
Is the bolt handle not threaded and staked in place on that raised lug on the bolt?
If so replacing the bolt in this manner should not affect the headspacing yes?
Or if replacing complete bolt handle with cocking sleeve?
This again should not affect headspace?
The bolt handle does not engage the receiver surface, as you noticed it screws onto an escutcheon on the bolt body which in turn engages the slot in the receiver.
Mike
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