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I was wondering if anyone with a Winchester Model 63 has the unique variation that my Uncle’s gun with serial number 173283 has. I have never seen one other than his that has this feature. The plunger that loads the first shell has the notch at the bottom of the front stock cap instead of at the top. It came from the factory like this as he purchased the gun in 1959 brand new. His son now has the gun and sent me pictures to confirm my recollection of this feature. I know it’s not too important as the function is not altered, but why would one gun ( or others that I have not heard about ) have this change made? I thought it would be interesting if anyone else has heard of this variation.
77lorimar;
This was a change that Winchester made around 1957. Why I have no idea. I have a 63 made in 1956 that has the notch at the top of the cap and a 63 made in 1958 that has the notch on the bottom of the stock cap. Also you may note that the stock cap is made of plastic, at least mine is, the 1956 rifle has a metal cap. RR
Thanks for the information. I have a 1958 Model 63, serial number 1667xx that has the slot at the top of the cap and the cap is steel. Also, a model 63 with serial number 1754xx has the slot at the top and the cap is steel. Thus, the change to a plastic cap with groove on the bottom must not have been made to all Model 63’s, but just a select few. Why would they do that, that is the puzzling question?
I have 171496 with plastic cap and groove at the bottom (4000 #’s before your later 63). The rifles were not always assembled sequentially (in fact, rarely) so it is no surprise there is a bit of muddling of serial numbers during the changeover. Regarding why the change was made, I suspect the plastic was a cost saving measure but as for the slot relocation I have no idea.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
FYI and if anyone is taking a nose count…my Model 63, serial #162099A, has a steel cap with plunger groove/notch on the top (facing the barrel).
Big Mac
I received word from my cousin ( who now own’s my Uncles Model 63, serial number 173283 ) that his gun does indeed have a plastic cap with the plunger upside down. I would sure like to know the serial numbers of Model 63’s with the upside down plunger and plastic cap so I can try and figure out the approximate start of this change and the stopping point. Like I said, serial number 1754xx does not have the plastic cap but the more standard steel cap with plunger groove on top. Please post your serial number if you have a plastic cap. You can easily check with a small magnet placed over a paper towel or thin cloth held up to the cap. Thanks for your input.
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