VERY EARLY Model 69 . . . .|Winchester .22 Rim Fire|Forum|Winchester Collector

The model 69 came with 2 magazines, short and standard. The model 69A only came with 1 standard magazine which was changed so that 22 short would work. I think there was a significant number of short magazines produced and not that scarce or hard to find but nice to have both like you do.

jsgwoodsman said

I have an early 67 grooved forearm rifle that is in very high condition in its original box (which is in fair condition) but no paperwork, etc. remains.
  

I see that paperwork all over Ebay all the time if you want to pick it up for your boxed specimen! Pretty cheap too…

lacheall said
I’m pretty sure this is where I need  to post this, I thought this might be a good place since I found zero other postings about my rifle. I have a pre-war factory scoped model 69 (not the model 69A, this was before them)! Winchester only made 769 of them and I’m trying to not only find out more about it, but get it appraised for insurance purposes. Mine has only been shot once and that was by me to ensure it was functioning, safety and accurate, it’s had a total of 10 rounds fired though it. If anyone can help me that would be awesome I’ve literally been running and going no where! It will not allow me to post a photo so if anyone can help here is my email address and I’ll send them to you. FYI it was my Uncle’s rifle he bought it as a kid and never fired it, I inherited it and I am the only to ever fire it. It still has some factory packing grease stuck on the bolt from all those years ago!
[email protected]
 

Welcome to the WACA family!  This is a great forum where you can ask questions and receive accurate information. I would recommend that you start a new thread.  That is insure that JWA will see & respond.  He wrote the definitive book on the Winchester 69… literally. 

The title is:  The Winchester Model 69. Evolution In Design.     It is available here on the WACA webpage…plus you receive a 10% discount as a member.

It has everything you need to know about Dual Sight Winchester 69 rifles… variations, scopes, mounts, etc. He just finished the book on the Winchester 75 and in between work assignments is writing a book about the Winchester 72. 

He is supposed to retire from a very interesting line of work this year… then he will be able to do whatever he wants… (after doing what his wife wants. 😉 ) 

He is a moderator on this forum and generously shares accurate information & clarification regarding these treasures… cheers.  Ben

Here are the photos. 

lacheall said
I’m pretty sure this is where I need  to post this, I thought this might be a good place since I found zero other postings about my rifle. I have a pre-war factory scoped model 69 (not the model 69A, this was before them)! Winchester only made 769 of them and I’m trying to not only find out more about it, but get it appraised for insurance purposes. Mine has only been shot once and that was by me to ensure it was functioning, safety and accurate, it’s had a total of 10 rounds fired though it. If anyone can help me that would be awesome I’ve literally been running and going no where! It will not allow me to post a photo so if anyone can help here is my email address and I’ll send them to you. FYI it was my Uncle’s rifle he bought it as a kid and never fired it, I inherited it and I am the only to ever fire it. It still has some factory packing grease stuck on the bolt from all those years ago!
[email protected]
  

Here are the photos. 

The Model 69 was mfg. between 1935-1939.

The pictures posted sure help us to identify what you have, and in JWA’s book on page #79, he talks about the dual sighted M-69, like yours, with the see through mounts, pg. #362/363, as we can see in the picture, and also according to the proof marks, it’s certainly not a “parts clean up”, rifle, which makes it mfg. as early as August,1937.  

Unless I’m seeing this incorrectly in Jeff’s book, the stocks thinner profile and angled for-end, on pg. 23, Catalog #G6901R, (1935-1937), is what’s on you’re rifle, making it an early Dual Sight model 69.

I’m trying to understand where you stated only 769 were made, came from, as I don’t see that information anywhere. It’s certainly possible that I missed it, but if it’s not in Jeff’s book, with his unbelievable research, I wouldn’t trust it. IMHO!

Also with normal handling marks on the rifle, like you said it’s in nice condition, even with the chip out of the pistol grip rifle stock at it’s heal, and some scratches on the but stock. I’m in no way trying to bad rap you’re nice inherited rifle, but for insurance purposes, trying to find another one in this configuration and nicer condition, I would have to guess at an insured replacement number around $2,000.00-$2,500.00.

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

lacheall said

Anthony said
The Model 69 was mfg. between 1935-1939.
The pictures posted sure help us to identify what you have, and in JWA’s book on page #79, he talks about the dual sighted M-69, like yours, with the see through mounts, pg. #362/363, as we can see in the picture, and also according to the proof marks, it’s certainly not a “parts clean up”, rifle, which makes it mfg. as early as August,1937.  
Unless I’m seeing this incorrectly in Jeff’s book, the stocks thinner profile and angled for-end, on pg. 23, Catalog #G6901R, (1935-1937), is what’s on you’re rifle, making it an early Dual Sight model 69.
I’m trying to understand where you stated only 769 were made, came from, as I don’t see that information anywhere. It’s certainly possible that I missed it, but if it’s not in Jeff’s book, with his unbelievable research, I wouldn’t trust it. IMHO!
Also with normal handling marks on the rifle, like you said it’s in nice condition, even with the chip out of the pistol grip rifle stock at it’s heal, and some scratches on the but stock. I’m in no way trying to bad rap you’re nice inherited rifle, but for insurance purposes, trying to find another one in this configuration and nicer condition, I would have to guess at an insured replacement number around $2,000.00-$2,500.00.
Thanks for sharing!
Tony
  

Not only from Winchester but also from
Vincent L. Rausch book on the rifles and it’s on page 3 paragraph 3 where he says only 769 factory scoped model 69’s were made between 1937 and 1941.
  

Being that the two years from August 1937 to August 1939, when the M-69A, went into production, I could very well see where a very limited production of 
“Dual Sighted” M-69 rifles were mfg. I just haven’t seen any numbers verifying that, and will certainly note that. I don’t have that publication, to look that up either or even reference it, but I do find that interesting. Remembering that the M-69 was mfg from 8/1935-8/1939, only, so you’re information could hold water. IMO!

The number I posted, as an opinion on Insuring value, is not a number that I would pay for this rifle, or one similar, as it’s a number that I feel that could be used as a replacement number for Insurance purposes. IMO!

Tony

I noticed the magazine has a “W” marked base.  That is a replacement.  I would surmise the lack of shooting over the years was from the original being lost or misplaced.  The chip at the bottom of the grip will be difficult to fix…may be simpler to use some “Old English” on the bare wood to hide the stark contrast.  You can also keep watch on ebay for a proper period stock without issues.  They show up from time to time and would be worth investing in. The “Japaned” finish on the scope is easily scratched.  You may want to wrap 1″ paper strips around the tube and then slide them under the scope ring tension spots.  This will help minimize scratching.  Overall it is a very nice example of a scarce rifle.  

Mike…  The original post was by another person for a different rifle… 

TXGunNut said

Ben said
Mike…  The original post was by another person for a different rifle… 
  

Thanks, missed that on account of posting before coffee. That dual sight gun deserves a thread of its own.
 
 
Mike
  

Agreed…  I tried to have him start one.  Maybe the “Great White Bearded One” can do his magic?  Having JWA chime in would be good too… Hope you’re doing well down there in the heat & humidity    Cody is just 46 days away my friend!