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Yep, I’m in for it. I am new to the forum, hello to all from Pa. , and I picked up a 69a from my local favorite GS. I did a quick bit of research when I saw it on Thursday, it has the 80a peep and hooded ramp front sight, s,l,and lr marked barrel ,receiver without grooves, never had sling swivels or a dovetail slot and is a beauty. The kicker was the four Winchester marked mags, 2 fives and 2 tens. It appears to be a standard model with factory peep sight, the unusual mark is the w933 stamped under the pistol grip. The trouble is I am sure to want more Win 22’s to keep her company,it’s nice to find a friendly site to get my geek on . Enjoy your Sunday! Chris
Welcome!
The “W933” probably indicates your rifle was originally sold by Abercrombie and Fitch. Their unserialized Winchesters had a tracking number stamped in the bottom of the pistol grip, some with a “W” some without.
Member “JWA” may be able to provide more info.
Sounds like you got a nice one! Based on the description your Model 69 is the Winchester catalog version G6901R and was made in early 1948.
As 3Dub mentioned it was likely sold by A&F in New York and W933 is definitely listed in their sales ledgers. A letter with additional sales details on your specific rifle can be obtained from Griffin & Howe who owns the A&F records. Very few of the model 69’s are traceable so it would probably be worthwhile to get the letter. Here is the contact info;
http://griffinhowe.com/researchyourfirearm/
Ask for Bob Beach.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Wow, that’s more information than I thought was available. The store owner and I both thought it was a target due to the lack of a dovetail slot, I actually spotted the number under the grip. I’ve collected different things in the course of my life and one of the true pleasures is digging into an item and uncovering some provenance unexpectedly, thanks for the information. I had turned down a complete but a little rough 75 earlier this year and had my interest piqued for a vintage 22 target rifle, I have a feeling that I’m just starting a new branch of my collecting addiction. There, I said it. I wonder if there’s a 12 step program for guys like us? Thanks again.
Griffin & Howe can give you a lot more info on your specific rifle. Typically the letter will include when the rifle was received from Winchester, the date it was sold, who it was sold to, the A&F salesman name, the rifle configuration as sold (barrel length, etc.), the sales price and other details that may be listed in the ledgers.
Again, provenance such as that rarely exists for the Model 69, you are lucky you found one with the A&F markings.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
[email protected] said
Wow, that’s more information than I thought was available. The store owner and I both thought it was a target due to the lack of a dovetail slot, I actually spotted the number under the grip. I’ve collected different things in the course of my life and one of the true pleasures is digging into an item and uncovering some provenance unexpectedly, thanks for the information. I had turned down a complete but a little rough 75 earlier this year and had my interest piqued for a vintage 22 target rifle, I have a feeling that I’m just starting a new branch of my collecting addiction. There, I said it. I wonder if there’s a 12 step program for guys like us? Thanks again.
Welcome to the club…..There only 1 step for us collectors…..checking how much money we have in the bank!
Hi, from Big Larry, astute Winchester collector. You got a nice one. I have one in my collection as well and it is one of my nicest M69-A’s. I too thought it to be a target model, but JWA showed me the error of my ways. 2nd most popular of the M69-A series. Now that you have been bitten by the bug, there are many collectible Winchester 22’s out there. Just stay with this Forum and ask questions, preferably before you buy. What did you give for the rifle? The mags are probably worth about $200 alone if Winchester marked. Big Larry
mjuarez0829 said
Welcome to the club…..There only 1 step for us collectors…..checking how much money we have in the bank!
That’s just Step 1 for me. Step 2 is getting it to the safe without the wife knowing…
Just want to add my “Welcome to the Club”. Lots of valuable information is shared here.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
deerhunter said
That’s just Step 1 for me. Step 2 is getting it to the safe without the wife knowing…
Married 50 years to the same gal and she never once complained about me buying another gun. She passed 2 years ago, and I am still buying guns. Big Larry
Thanks for the warm welcome! Larry , I’m sorry for your loss, my wife and I give each other plenty of space and room to do what makes us happy. As far as what I paid, it was less than twice what the mags are worth. It was a good deal, I call it clean living. I will contact Griffin and Howe and let you know what they send about my rifle, thank you JWA.
[email protected] said
Wow, that’s more information than I thought was available. The store owner and I both thought it was a target due to the lack of a dovetail slot, I actually spotted the number under the grip. I’ve collected different things in the course of my life and one of the true pleasures is digging into an item and uncovering some provenance unexpectedly, thanks for the information. I had turned down a complete but a little rough 75 earlier this year and had my interest piqued for a vintage 22 target rifle, I have a feeling that I’m just starting a new branch of my collecting addiction. There, I said it. I wonder if there’s a 12 step program for guys like us? Thanks again.
Hey Chris,
Welcome from another PA guy. I live in Western PA. I don’t know if there is a program for this addiction. The experts here can answer your questions, but not sure they can provide a cure for this addiction.
Al
November 7, 2015
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I wonder if there’s a 12 step program for guys like us? …..Chris
Hello, my name is Mike and I haven’t bought a Winchester .22 in eight days.
TXGunNut said
I wonder if there’s a 12 step program for guys like us? …..Chris
Hello, my name is Mike and I haven’t bought a Winchester .22 in eight days.
That’s a good one. I love my 22’s more than any of my other rifles and handguns. I am one of the fortunate ones who salted away many thousand rds. of 22 ammo when it was 79 cents at K-Mart. My Grandson is helping me shoot them up now. Just remember this, when JWA’s book starts selling, the values of the Winchester 22’s as a whole will see a sharp market increase in value. Buy em now!!! Big Larry
November 7, 2015
Offline
Just remember this, when JWA’s book starts selling, the values of the Winchester 22’s as a whole will see a sharp market increase in value. Buy em now!!! Big Larry
I think the values are due to go up and JWA’s book will certainly help things along, I know it will help me be a better educated collector. I’m new to the .22 sector but I’m very impressed by the quality and workmanship of these little rifles. They also seem to shoot better than most modern rifles.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Just remember this, when JWA’s book starts selling, the values of the Winchester 22’s as a whole will see a sharp market increase in value. Buy em now!!! Big Larry
I think the values are due to go up and JWA’s book will certainly help things along, I know it will help me be a better educated collector. I’m new to the .22 sector but I’m very impressed by the quality and workmanship of these little rifles. They also seem to shoot better than most modern rifles.
Mike
Back, in my earlier years of collecting, I bought many M1903’s and Carbines and Garands. Then, Col. Brophy wrote is famous book on the M1903’s and the rifles went from $25 to $2500, and continued up from there. I have a few left I just could not sell. I am a war baby born in 1942, and the Son of a Combat Marine, WW2 and Korea. I also was a Marine (60-68). The book will undoubtedly increase the values of the often overlooked 22 Winchesters. I got started on them early and have amassed a nice collection. No doubles. JWA has the market cornered with over 300 of them. Yes, buy them now. Some are very scarce and many are beaters. Big Larry
Chris,
Beware of these guys. They are enablers. They will only contribute to your affliction. There is no cure, but than again it is a great life. True happiness is a factory fresh Winchester. Welcome aboard.
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
TXGunNut said
Just remember this, when JWA’s book starts selling, the values of the Winchester 22’s as a whole will see a sharp market increase in value. Buy em now!!! Big Larry
I think the values are due to go up and JWA’s book will certainly help things along, I know it will help me be a better educated collector. I’m new to the .22 sector but I’m very impressed by the quality and workmanship of these little rifles. They also seem to shoot better than most modern rifles.
Mike
I think some of prices for the 22’s have already went up. Have you tried to buy a model 61 octagon barreled 22 lately? There are plenty of refubished and total fakes out there – so beware. Yes – speaking for experience. Dick
A
Win61 said
I think some of prices for the 22’s have already went up. Have you tried to buy a model 61 octagon barreled 22 lately? There are plenty of refubished and total fakes out there – so beware. Yes – speaking for experience. Dick
Any high $$$ Winchester can and will be faked. Read and heed others advice. Learn your craft well. The fakers are getting real good at this. Big Larry
The trouble is confirmed. I went back to my favorite store and got a 68 complete and in good shape. They have two 75’s, one heavily sanded and one with 8 extra holes drilled in it, I passed on both. On an up note they said that they’re pop, who opened the store in the 60’s ,was thinking of selling his 75 target. If he decides to I get first crack. Yep, it’s trouble for sure, time for another pack of rifle socks. JWA, I spoke with Bob Beach yesterday, thanks. Chris
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