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In dad’s collection is a nice Model 65 in 32 WCF much like the one in the top picture of Madis book p 399. The only difference is the sling swivels are mounted to the barrel approximately 2″ forward of the fore end cap. When I searched the serial number it came up as 1934-1942.
Is there a more definite record of serial numbers concerning how many of each caliber, stock variations and year made for this rifle? It appears only 5704 were made (or 5717 according to Madis in The Winchester Handbook p 130). Madis does say in his handbook there were only 1,277 sold in 32-20 caliber and lists how many were sold each year but not of which caliber.
This particular rifle appears to have been fired very little.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Scott
Scott,
What is the serial number? There are some serialization records surviving for the Model 65. Actual production was from March 1933 – December 1945.
In regards to the number of Model 65 rifles manufactured, the 5704 and 5717 numbers you found are not accurate. Several years ago I researched and wrote an article discussing the Model 65 to include the estimate production statistics. Based on my current research survey, the actual production number for the Model 65 rifle was 7,725. The 218 Bee was the most common caliber, followed by the 32 WCF, with the 25-20 WCF being the least common. My article was published in the Winter 2016 Collector magazine – https://winchestercollector.org/magazine/
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, the serial number for this rifle is 1005641 and appears to be a standard rifle, no checkering with 22″ barrel. Does this correspond to a later production date according to your records?
Scott
Pdog73 said
Bert, the serial number for this rifle is 1005641 and appears to be a standard rifle, no checkering with 22″ barrel. Does this correspond to a later production date according to your records?Scott
Yes it does. The receiver was serialized in early 1941 (January), and it most likely has a “40” dated barrel on it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Yes it does. The receiver was serialized in early 1941 (January), and it most likely has a “40” dated barrel on it.
Bert
Curiously I removed the fore end to see the barrel date and found “39” on it. I sent you picture since I’m still unable to post pics successfully.
Scott
Pdog73 said
Curiously I removed the fore end to see the barrel date and found “39” on it. I sent you picture since I’m still unable to post pics successfully.
Scott
Production of the 25-20 WCF and 32 WCF was much slower than the 218 Bee, and Winchester manufactured their barrels in batches in advance of when they were needed to assemble the rifles. It is not unusual to find barrel dates 1-2 years older than the receiver, especially on the lower production models and calibers.
For those who may not have seen a Model 65 barrel date, the picture below is Scott’s rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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