Late Winchester Model 65 Like 1892 92 .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $3575

LSB#: 230214RL009

Make: Winchester

Model: 65

Serial Number: 1006255

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 141-1947

Caliber: .32-20 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-“-, “32 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. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed at the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a light patina with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine 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 late, most likely post-WWII. The .32-20 Win. cartridge was once a favorite with farmers, ranchers, pot hunters and trappers. With its limited production, original finish and pre-’64 manufacture date, this Model 65 should be of interest to the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud