Winchester Model 65 Like 1892 92 .25-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1934 C&R
SOLD FOR $2,325
LSB#: 200530JE01
Make: Winchester
Model: 65
Serial Number: 1003477
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1934 (this rifle’s serial number is toward the beginning of the range for the Model 65, introduced in 1933)
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester Center Fire (W.C.F.)
Action Type: Lever Action with Button Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 65”, -“WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“-, “25-20 W.C.F.-“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN.-“. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass bead dovetailed into a textured, ramped base forged to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel which is currently filled with a blank. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a peep sight installed, adjustable for elevation. The sight has a folding small aperture. The peep sight has a locking lever, but we could not find a way to disengage the luck such that the sight fould fold flat.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have several scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with a few more moderate marks, the most notable on the bottom of the forend and on the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The wood is generally proud to the metal. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear around the smooth borders with minor wear in the well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent faint erosion in the bore, most near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has generally strong finish with some scattered light scuffs and scratches, infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation and wear on the top-rear from the previously installed rear sight. The receiver has some light scratches and finish wear scattered throughout, heaviest on the bottom, with strongest finish at the rear of the flats and in the tangs. The worn areas of the receiver has developed a light patina. The action shows light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the trigger pull is crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 65 had a relatively short run in the time-span of Winchester lever-action rifles. Manufactured from 1933 to 1947, the Model 65 could be described as a successor to the Model 53, which itself was an improvement on the design of the famous Model 1892. The Model 65 was the rarest of the 1892 family. Only about 5,700 were manufactured, compared to 25,000 for the Model 53 and approximately a million for the 1892. The Model 1892 and its successors were all chambered in popular small-game cartridges. This Model 65 was produced fairly early after the model’s introduction, around 1934, and is chambered for the .25-20 cartridge. The .25-20 Win. cartridge was based on necking down the .32-20 cartridge, and was intended for small game and varmints, developing about 1460 fps. with 86 grain bullets. It was once a favorite with farmers, ranchers, pot hunters and trappers. With its limited production, original finish and pre-WWI manufacture date, this Model 65 should be of interest to the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!