Have identified rifle as a 69a Target Model. Just don't know why it has a serial number.?

fdmcmu said
Any info on a 69a and side mounted peep sight with ser# MX5xxx
  

Bert

Congrats on your aquisition!

I was working out of the country for awhile so I had the book website turned off but it is now back on and the books are available.

https://rimfirepublications.com/

The barrel band does not really "tune" the barrel, it's primary purpose is to retain the barrel in the forend as there is only one other screw that holds the barreled action in the stock.  It is adjustable as the crossscrew is tapered and tightening the screw (clockwise) pulls the band downward.  Be careful though, if the screw is tightened too much it will simply distort/enlarge the hole in the band and not hold the barrel as securely.

Since the function of the band is structural, I would leave it in place.  The crossscrew should only be tightened until slightly snug and the barrel is fully seated in the stock.  You can try to experiment with different tensions on the cross screw and, in some cases, it does make a difference but any accuracy gained is usually an accident and not a scientific adjustment.

Hope that helps, let us know if you have any other questions.

Best Regards,

GunPa said

Do you or someone else have any info on that barrel band that seems to want to double as a tuning device?  I think I'm so focused on free floating the barrel, but I don't understand that device.  I just want to take it off and put it in the case for another day.  Any reason why I should leave it on?

I have never messed with the barrel band on my 75 Target.  Not even sure you can?  But I did a lot of testing with the one on my Model 70. It will make a difference.  If you can loosen the band do some testing with it tight then back off the tension and see what happens. 

I rolled the dice on a rusty looking mag at a gunshow, $10 well spent, after a good clean, works perfectly.

That book appears to be very rare, hard to find, and at a reasonable price.

Do you or someone else have any info on that barrel band that seems to want to double as a tuning device?  I think I'm so focused on free floating the barrel, but I don't understand that device.  I just want to take it off and put it in the case for another day.  Any reason why I should leave it on?

I did re-crown it and the groups are certainly better, can almost hide a 5 shot group under the head of a .45 ACP case now.

Thanks.

Larry21556 said
With so many differing sources for date of mfg. I am hoping to get the forum's opinion on DOM for two of my M-61's.
51921
289371
 
Thanks in advance I appreciate the help.  Larry
  

Hello Larry,

What is the configuration of each rifle?  I ma working on a survey of this Model and would like to add them into my database.   SN 51921 is most likely a counterbore Shot Only rifle based on what data I have.   SN 289371 is most likel ya standard rifle for .222 Short, Long, & Long Rifle.  https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/model-61-research-survey/

Michael

51921 = June 1940

289371 = mid-year 1960

Bert

51921

289371

Thanks in advance I appreciate the help.  Larry

It will be at the Cody show. Although not cheap, like all of these 61 22 Mag.

RR