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April 15, 2005
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Robert,
The rifle in question is not an original Model 65. All original Model 65 rifles are found in the 999600 – 1007608 serial number range. The rifle you have is either a very early Model 1892, or an early production Model 53. The factory marking on the upper tang will positively identify it.
Based on what I am seeing in the pictures, this rifle is completely non-original, including the stocks… sorry for the bad news.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 17, 2020
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No bad news! That’s what I was expecting and honestly I have no issue with it being a first year 1892 even if it is completely unoriginal.
I do have questions about it not being a Model 65 though. All the markings appear to be correct per Madis and it does say the Model 65s were in rare cases not numbered with the 1892’s. The markings on the left side of the barrel are correct to the book. The upper tang marking is indeed the same as a Model 53, but the book does not state anything about the tang mark of the 65 so I’m ignorant on that part.
As always, thank you for the education.
Robert Dean 406-459-9948 [email protected]
December 17, 2020
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Also, it does have the Mail Order Parts Proof Mark “P” along with the Winchester Proof Mark on the barrel. So it would be my understanding that if this is an early model 1892 the barrel has most definitely been replaced.
Robert Dean 406-459-9948 [email protected]
January 26, 2011
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Looks like a M53 receiver with a M65 barrel. FYI – Model 65’s were a pistol grip whereas this is a straight stock. A great looking shooter …….. enjoy it.
~Gary~
April 15, 2005
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R. Dean said
Also, it does have the Mail Order Parts Proof Mark “P” along with the Winchester Proof Mark on the barrel. So it would be my understanding that if this is an early model 1892 the barrel has most definitely been replaced.
The tang marking identifies it as a Model 53 rifle that has been rebarreled with a mail order Model 65 barrel. Per the factory records, the receiver was manufactured in May, 1925.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
