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December 9, 2024
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https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1185506204
I dont think its original or right, I’d really like to hear your guys opinions.
June 12, 2013
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I’m not any kind of expert, but I don’t believe the stock set is original. Like the model 64 deluxe the sling swivels should be recessed in rear and front swivel built into forend cap. I can’t evaluate the metal finishes with the black background photos
July 14, 2016
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The pictures are crap. From what I see, it has been totally reblued. And some one has pinched the bolt mounted peep sight.
One to stay away from!
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
January 20, 2023
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The nose cap is wrong for the Special style of a Model 65. It should have the sling swivel base molded into the cap. I can’t see the rear swivel base well enough to determine whether the base itself is the correct “Super Grade” factory base or not. If it is, the entire buttstock is likely a replacement amd the forearm wood, too but the latter must not have come with a nose cap.
My guess is this is a Standard style gunsmithed into a pseudo-Special.
The black backdrop precludes close examination. If it were real, it should hammer for well over 3K.
The Super Grade nosecap, rear inletted base, swivels and strap package was a factory special order feature for the Standard M64. I owned one. Probably for the M65, too. But Fagin went at this Wonder bass-ackwards.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
April 15, 2005
Online
Zebulon said
The Super Grade nosecap, rear inletted base, swivels and strap package was a factory special order feature for the Standard M64. I owned one. Probably for the M65, too. But Fagin went at this Wonder bass-ackwards.
That is not a completely accurate assertion. The Model 64 Deer Rifles were standard with the Super Grade sling swivels as were as the Model 71 Special rifles. For the Model 65, the “Special” rifle was a special order item, and they were indeed identically configured the same as a Model 64 Deer Rifle or a Model 71 Special (checkered stocks, capped PG, and SG swivels). Bolt peep sights were standard for the M65 218 Bee, M64 219 Zipper, and the pre-WW II Model 71 rifles.
In regard to the Model 65 rifle in question, there are few issues that I see with it. The stock set appears to be correct for a “Special”, but the rifle has been altered. The first (big) issue is the missing No. 98C bolt peep sight. The second issue is the replaced forend nose-cap and the after-market front sling mount. The last issue is the replacement front sight hood. On a positive note, I do not believe that this rifle has been reblued (the proof mark stamps on the frame ring and barrel are crisp and off color as they should be).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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I wonder if this would be the right swivel nose cap. Probably not as it wouldn’t match the rear swivel. I know this fits a Model 53, so probably would fit a Model 65.
January 20, 2023
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Steve, The big difference (to me) is that nosecap is fitted with a non-detachable swivel, whereas the 71 and 64 – and I assume the 65, if special ordered, were furnished with Super Grade detachable swivels.
Bert, so there was never a catalogued “Special” style of the M65. No wonder I wasn’t sure what to call one fitted up like a Deer Rifle.
Both: the nose cap illustrated by Steve appears to have a swivel base welded or sweated on.
The 71 and 64 nose caps with swivel bases (at least the two in my possession) seem to be of a single piece, as if forged or machined that way. Is that just because of careful filing and finishing or are at least some made with integral bases?
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
April 15, 2005
Online
steve004 said
I wonder if this would be the right swivel nose cap. Probably not as it wouldn’t match the rear swivel. I know this fits a Model 53, so probably would fit a Model 65.
No, it would not be for a Model 65 Special
This is the correct sling base…
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
Online
Zebulon said
Steve, The big difference (to me) is that nosecap is fitted with a non-detachable swivel, whereas the 71 and 64 – and I assume the 65, if special ordered, were furnished with Super Grade detachable swivels.
Bert, so there was never a catalogued “Special” style of the M65. No wonder I wasn’t sure what to call one fitted up like a Deer Rifle.
Both: the nose cap illustrated by Steve appears to have a swivel base welded or sweated on.
The 71 and 64 nose caps with swivel bases (at least the two in my possession) seem to be of a single piece, as if forged or machined that way. Is that just because of careful filing and finishing or are at least some made with integral bases?
Correct… Winchester never officially cataloged a Model 65 “Special” but that is how they labeled the end label of the cardboard box.
The Model 64 and Model 71 nose caps were dovetailed for the SG swivel base.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
Zebulon said
Steve, The big difference (to me) is that nosecap is fitted with a non-detachable swivel, whereas the 71 and 64 – and I assume the 65, if special ordered, were furnished with Super Grade detachable swivels.
Bert, so there was never a catalogued “Special” style of the M65. No wonder I wasn’t sure what to call one fitted up like a Deer Rifle.
Both: the nose cap illustrated by Steve appears to have a swivel base welded or sweated on.
The 71 and 64 nose caps with swivel bases (at least the two in my possession) seem to be of a single piece, as if forged or machined that way. Is that just because of careful filing and finishing or are at least some made with integral bases?
Correct… Winchester never officially cataloged a Model 65 “Special” but that is how they labeled the end label of the cardboard box.
The Model 64 and Model 71 nose caps were dovetailed for the SG swivel base.
Bert
What kind of swiveled nose cap for a M53? This one fits on a M53 perfectly.
April 15, 2005
Online
steve004 said
Bert H. said
Zebulon said
Steve, The big difference (to me) is that nosecap is fitted with a non-detachable swivel, whereas the 71 and 64 – and I assume the 65, if special ordered, were furnished with Super Grade detachable swivels.
Bert, so there was never a catalogued “Special” style of the M65. No wonder I wasn’t sure what to call one fitted up like a Deer Rifle.
Both: the nose cap illustrated by Steve appears to have a swivel base welded or sweated on.
The 71 and 64 nose caps with swivel bases (at least the two in my possession) seem to be of a single piece, as if forged or machined that way. Is that just because of careful filing and finishing or are at least some made with integral bases?
Correct… Winchester never officially cataloged a Model 65 “Special” but that is how they labeled the end label of the cardboard box.
The Model 64 and Model 71 nose caps were dovetailed for the SG swivel base.
Bert
What kind of swiveled nose cap for a M53? This one fits on a M53 perfectly.
I have not ever encountered or documented a Model 53 fitted with sling swivels. A very small number of them were equipped with sling eyes. The nose cap you have was most likely made for a Model 1892.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2024
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Well it went for $3500, I guess a couple people thought it was close to right. If it was no doubts right in every way would you guys say it would be more like $5k plus?
April 30, 2023
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helidriver72 said
Well it went for $3500, I guess a couple people thought it was close to right. If it was no doubts right in every way would you guys say it would be more like $5k plus?
No, $3500 is right about where they’ve gone for a few years now (when original/correct).
June 12, 2013
Online
Jeremy P said
helidriver72 said
Well it went for $3500, I guess a couple people thought it was close to right. If it was no doubts right in every way would you guys say it would be more like $5k plus?
No, $3500 is right about where they’ve gone for a few years now (when original/correct).
If you find a high condition special model 65 in 218 bee for $3500.00 please pm me!
April 30, 2023
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antler1 said
Jeremy P said
helidriver72 said
Well it went for $3500, I guess a couple people thought it was close to right. If it was no doubts right in every way would you guys say it would be more like $5k plus?
No, $3500 is right about where they’ve gone for a few years now (when original/correct).
If you find a high condition special model 65 in 218 bee for $3500.00 please pm me!
Yes, to be clearer, $3500 for a really nice non-deluxe (special) model!
Pat, you’ll sell me a deluxe for 3500 this weekend, won’t you? 
June 12, 2013
Online
Jeremy P said
antler1 said
Jeremy P said
helidriver72 said
Well it went for $3500, I guess a couple people thought it was close to right. If it was no doubts right in every way would you guys say it would be more like $5k plus?
No, $3500 is right about where they’ve gone for a few years now (when original/correct).
If you find a high condition special model 65 in 218 bee for $3500.00 please pm me!
Yes, to be clearer, $3500 for a really nice non-deluxe (special) model!
Pat, you’ll sell me a deluxe for 3500 this weekend, won’t you?
I was offering to buy not sell!! I do have a very nice model 65 25-20 w/bolt peep that will be on the table. Stop by. 
April 30, 2023
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antler1 said
Jeremy P said
Yes, to be clearer, $3500 for a really nice non-deluxe (special) model!
Pat, you’ll sell me a deluxe for 3500 this weekend, won’t you?
I was offering to buy not sell!! I do have a very nice model 65 25-20 w/bolt peep that will be on the table. Stop by.
I will indeed stop by! I think mine in .25-20 is a refinish, although a nice one. See you there!
January 20, 2023
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One of the nicer aspects of WACA membership seems to be that members sell live cows and mules to one another.
A refreshing change from several boxes sent to me in the past by strangers, which, when opened, gave off the “powerful odor of mendacity.”
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
