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I stumbled upon some thing tonight that raised my curiosity. An add for what is being called a Model 62a lever action .22. The claim is it was made as a prototype utilizing a Model 62 takedown rifle converted to lever action. Not being very knowledgeable of Winchester .22’s I thought I would ask. Says it was made around 1951/52. It actually looks in extremely fine condition with checkered pistol grip stocks and a crescent butt. But it has been re-blued. Any thoughts?
Ps. Not my kind of gun, so not interested in buying. You know about the cat, right?
There are at least two similar Model 1890 converted lever-action rifles that exist. I personally believe that they were created by a talented gunsmith and the “story” added about them being “factory” prototypes.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
As I look on with curiosity at the suspected picture posted on Guns International.Having read the previous posts regarding the information added, I have a biased, opinion, of possible dishonesty, at hand.
I don’t care for the wood to metal fit, as it appears to be a very good job on the barrel bluing, whether it’s period correct bluing or not, but the slightly rounded corners at the receiver fit are suspect as is the butt plate fit on top of the stock.
This is not a Winchester Experimental rifle. IMO!
Anthony
There were more than a couple of the Winchester prototype lever action 1890’s that are fully documented but none that are documented on a 62.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
That is a most interesting rifle.Its an idea that if Winchester did not come up with, they should have.After the Model 73 .22 rifle there was no Winchester .22 lever rifle, until the Model 9422 came out in the early 1970’s.There were those that wanted one and had to buy a Marlin if they wanted a lever .22 .This could idea could of been a real winner for Winchester.
November 7, 2015
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A bit early (even for me!) for a bedtime story. Seller left out the “Once upon a time” and “they lived happily ever after” parts. With the overall quality I’m surprised the fit was a bit sloppy. Overall a rather attractive rifle, I’d like to handle it a bit to see how it works.
Mike
JWA said
There were more than a couple of the Winchester prototype lever action 1890’s that are fully documented but none that are documented on a 62.Best Regards,
I certainly agree with Jeff and was trying to recall where I had recently seen such a prototype, but couldn’t place where. Was the rifle shown at auction not to long ago?
I imagine quite a few different experiments went on. I often wonder what such treasures in Winchester experimentation have been lost to the sands of time. I also agree with Bert, and would proceed with caution when buying anything “Experimental”. I’d hold it with high skepticism just like when anyone tells me they have a factory engraved rifle.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 7, 2015
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Thanks for posting that drawing, Maverick. Was wondering how it worked. Much simpler than I thought!
Mike
Maverick said
JWA said
There were more than a couple of the Winchester prototype lever action 1890’s that are fully documented but none that are documented on a 62.
Best Regards,
I certainly agree with Jeff and was trying to recall where I had recently seen such a prototype, but couldn’t place where. Was the rifle shown at auction not to long ago?
Sincerely,
Maverick
Yes,
That particular one was on display at the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show in Las Vegas last year then went on to auction by Lock Stock and Barrel in Cody later that spring. It is similar to, but NOT the example still housed in the Cody museum. I think it brought over $30,000 but don’t remember the exact amount.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
28 gauge said
That is a most interesting rifle.Its an idea that if Winchester did not come up with, they should have.After the Model 73 .22 rifle there was no Winchester .22 lever rifle, until the Model 9422 came out in the early 1970’s.There were those that wanted one and had to buy a Marlin if they wanted a lever .22 .This could idea could of been a real winner for Winchester.
You’ve forgotten about the Winchester 150 & 250 lever action. .22 rifles
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
Yes, you are 100% correct ,Vince.The Model 150 and 250 were lever hammerless .22 rifles. I was thinking of hammer rifles .22 rifles.
deerhunter said
I saw one as well. Maybe this is the same one you are referring to?
Yes that is the one. Saw it on different site tho.
On prototypes, it must have been the practice to only proof mark the barrels
That all depends on the year the said prototype was made.
If I recall correctly before the “proof mark” was moved to the top of the barrel, it was located on the bottom side of the barrel. Again depending on what year and what specific proof mark one is referring to.
Also I believe the 22s may have marked in slightly different manner than larger caliber rifles for some years and this change during production.
I believe the whole reason Winchester went to marking the tops of barrels and receivers had to do with making the English Proof Houses and other foreign countries happy on how Winchester proofed their rifles and shotguns. If that issue never arose, I doubt they would have ever marked them with proof marks that were viewable. I guess the real people to blame are the lawyers!
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
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