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Have a question about the 62’s. I know that the 62’s had a flat spring and the 62A had a coil spring. With that in mind which one functions the best. Was the coil incorporated to improve the rifle or to just cut cost. Also I am assuming that the 62 would be the better to collect or do I have that assumption wrong?
Thanks
Steve
January 26, 2011
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Steve,
I cant speak for the difference in function. I own both 62 and 62A’s, but haven’t shot them enough to feel a big difference. As for collectability, the 62 will bring more money since they are all pre-war rifles and there were far less made compared to the 62A. I just like the look of the 62 much better, with the smaller tapered fore-end and generally a little nicer looking wood and overall fit. As with most pre-wars, they just seem to be of better quality than the later production. There are some pre-war 62A’s as well.
~Gary~
Why did hey change from a flat to a wire spring?
Flat-springs (or leaf springs) are prone to breakage compared to a wire or coil spring….unless you spend time removing all the grinding marks. These marks are the perfect place for microscopic stress cracks to start. So I assume that it was a monetary reason since it took more time and manpower with a flat-spring. Plus the art of hand machining was waning. Another factor was liability. We all tinker with our toys. Tuning a flat spring usually introduces file marks or scratches which one again introduce stress cracks. Also, when tension changes, the stress point changes and can end up at the hole for the mounting bolt. Not a good thing, a place for breakage. Another thing, with a coil or wire spring the tension is spread over the length of the spring. With a flat-spring the tension is focused in one spot, the base near where it first touches the solid mounting surface. Repetitive flexing puts stress at that location, and again that can lead towards a break if the mounting bolt is loose or if the spring gets scratched or corroded at the base. This doesn’t happen with a wire spring.
PS… The flat-spring tension stud should be turned down tight. It is not an adjustment. You might have know that, but I didn’t. To change the tension of a flat-spring you file (or grind) it thinner, or you can cut small sections out, but there can be no 90 degree corners, birthplaces for cracks. You can also cut it thinner by cutting it lengthwise. If the gun fails and we suffer damages, we can try holding the design liable. Companies don’t like that.
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
Until recently I owned both a first year 62 and an early 62A. I don’t know which shoots better or is more accurate. Where I get hung up is the fact that most 62A’s DO NOT have the “WINCHESTER” logo on the top tang. Winchester also did this with later 1890’s, ’94’s and others I’m sure. To me, that’s a major flaw. When was the last time you saw Chev or Ford build a vehicle and not put their name or emblem on it?? I mean for 37 cents we’ll leave our trademark name and logo off our product where it has been since day one?? Ya, that makes sense. Just my opinion. Peter
Thanks guys. I am just trying to complete a little collection of Winchester pumps and the 62/62A is one I am missing. Winchester pumps are truly amazing rifles. To be as old as they are and still function almost as good as the day they were made is something.
Steve
slk said
Thanks guys. I am just trying to complete a little collection of Winchester pumps and the 62/62A is one I am missing. Winchester pumps are truly amazing rifles. To be as old as they are and still function almost as good as the day they were made is something.Steve
Steve,
You can thank John Moses Browning for that.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
slk said
Thanks guys. I am just trying to complete a little collection of Winchester pumps and the 62/62A is one I am missing. Winchester pumps are truly amazing rifles. To be as old as they are and still function almost as good as the day they were made is something.Steve
Don’t forget the M1906 pump and the high numbered M62-A in the # 85XXXX range. Built on leftover M90 receivers. Just a variation, but a scarce one. Big Larry
I have a very nice example of a 1906 . I have the 1890 in wrf and regular .22. Also have a 61 from 1954. I also Have the Remington pumps. I just like .22 rifles. I guess they bring back simpler times of my childhood.
Steve
slk said
I have a very nice example of a 1906 . I have the 1890 in wrf and regular .22. Also have a 61 from 1954. I also Have the Remington pumps. I just like .22 rifles. I guess they bring back simpler times of my childhood.Steve
I am putting together a collection of Winchester 22’s to include all the models made pre 1964. I already have some of the scarce ones, and am always on the lookout for nice Win.22s I just picked up real clean M06 to complete a set of all the pump guns. Uppermost on my list is a Thumb Trigger. I just need a very few to complete my collection. Not interested in all the calibers or fancy types, just a good, sound representative of all models. Big Larry
January 26, 2011
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Larry,
When you get the collection complete ( or before ), you should create a display at the Cody, or Reno show. We would love to see them all displayed together, and we know you have some great examples.
~Gary~
Years back, I used to do full table displays on whatever I was collecting at that time. Many years at the old Great Western, the Beinfeld show in Las Vegas, and finally, the Big Reno Show, in Reno. Unfortunately, now I am handicapped to the extent I can no longer do the shows and am stuck doing my gun stuff on computer. I have done pretty well at it. I have the good fortune to have friends that help me out and keep me from buying junk. I don’t have too many to go. A Thumb Trigger, a M1900, a M1904, and a M1873. My biggest problem is, I also collect lever rifles and carbines, and I am a retired Teamster on a fixed income. Once I get through the Thumb Trigger, the rest will be easy, well maybe a M1873 might be a problem. Many thanks, Big Larry
Big Larry said
Unfortunately, now I am handicapped to the extent I can no longer do the shows and am stuck doing my gun stuff on computer…Many thanks, Big Larry
Pretty much the same with me; 50 miles I now regard as a frighteningly long drive. But my disappointment is moderated by the fact that most shows have degenerated into black rifle, camo, and jerky fairs; the few quality shows remaining, like Denver and Baltimore, are few and far between. The vast majority of quality guns now end up at auction houses or sites, and parts & accessories on ebay.
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