Off on another wild goose chase. Any input will be welcome.
Have accumulated several 1892 variation survivors out of an estate Am still sorting out a way to describe what I actually have.
NUMBER ONE: I think serial #1006031 is a legitimate model 65 in 32 WCF with the properly marked 22 inch barrel , 2/3 length mag.
Looks like the correct PG stock and forearm. Metal model 70 type buttplate
the reciever upper tang has NO rollmarks — it is smooth except for what appears to be “normal” factory accommodation for the tang mounted peep sight.
AND the bolt is machined properly for the bolt peep
This one appears to be very near the end of the 65 production and probably a parts cleanup candidate. Chime in with any comments I appreciate the experience you all have. PH
NUMBER TWO: serial #648428 1892 in 32WCF 24 inch full octagon with Button mag— fairly straightforward and normal.
NUMBER THREE is a sad victim—1892 serial #404730 a compilation of pieces and parts that make us question why any one would do such a thing. Johnny Cash sang about it — “One piece at a time”
The best part is it does have a properly marked 24 inch model 65 218 Bee barrel in VGC. Marked 40 on the underside. Button mag
The reciever was originally a SRC and still has the staple attached. Has several extra scope mount holes. Looks like the tang has been altered to pistol grip and the finger lever appears to have been “custom”. bent to match. Probably a part/out and salvage candidate.
Paul H said
Off on another wild goose chase. Any input will be welcome.Have accumulated several 1892 variation survivors out of an estate Am still sorting out a way to describe what I actually have.
NUMBER ONE: I think serial #1006031 is a legitimate model 65 in 32 WCF with the properly marked 22 inch barrel , 2/3 length mag.
Looks like the correct PG stock and forearm. Metal model 70 type buttplate
the reciever upper tang has NO rollmarks — it is smooth except for what appears to be “normal” factory accommodation for the tang mounted peep sight.
AND the bolt is machined properly for the bolt peep
This one appears to be very near the end of the 65 production and probably a parts cleanup candidate. Chime in with any comments I appreciate the experience you all have. PH
Paul,
The rifle you describe is a Frankenchester. It was a standard production rifle manufactured in the year 1941 (not a parts clean-up). The upper tang should have a Type-6 marking on it, and the bolt should not be milled & tapped for a No. 98C peep sight. In your shoes, I would remove the forend stock and magazine tube to verify the barrel date. That will give us an idea if the barrel is original to the receiver and it has a replacement bolt, or if the barrel is a replacement and the rifle was originally a 218 Bee.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Paul H said
BertThe barrel has a 39 closest to the reciever —-A triangle then the 32 WCF
2/3 mag with the slot and thru bolt on the magazine cap
PH
Based on other 32 WCF Model 65 rifles in my survey, the “39” barrel date is consistent with the serial number. Therefore, I suspect that the rifle was refinished and the bolt swapped.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Paul H said
Bert—-Fairly “light” refinish—little sign of sanding or polishing. PH
I see very noticeable sights of the polishing & rebluing of the receiver frame, and sanding & refinishing on the butt stock.
The attached pictures show the left and right sides of the receiver frame, and the fit of the butt stock. Take note that the screw heads are not flattened (by a buffer) and how tightly the butt stock adjoins the receiver frame and upper tang.
Bert
Model 65 s/n 1005329
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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