Pre-War Winchester Model 72 .22 S, L or LR 25” Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,237.72

LSB#: LSB250718LT115

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 72

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture:  1938 through 1949, C&R

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, Tube-Fed

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN, CONN.-PATENT PENDING.-”, “MODEL 72-22 SHORT / LONG AND LONG RIFLE”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”. The top of the receiver and barrel are marked with Winchester WP proofs. The markings on the barrel indicate that this model was produced prior to the pause in production during WWII..

Barrel Length: 25”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a receiver mounted ladder buckhorn U sight. 

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one piece smooth walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered hard rubber buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are minimal scratches, and compressions. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very light operational wear.. There is thinning at the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.  

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The 1930s is when the “boy’s rifle” segment faced a period of intense competition, with manufacturers such as Mossberg and Iver Johnson continuously marketing small caliber rimfire rifles to attract buyers who would want low-cost high-capacity rifles. Winchester assigned its designers to design a weapon that could be instantly competitive in that market.  As such, a new weapon had to be designed; this new weapon was the Model 72. Advertised alongside the Model 69, the Model 72 was advertised as a high-capacity repeater for those who want a well-balanced rifle to take into the field. Sales of the Model 72 were generally strong until production was halted temporarily in 1942 due to World War II; production resumed in 1945 and ran until 1959, when it was discontinued. Before production was halted temporary, a slightly modified version of the Model 72 was introduced, known as the Model 72A.

The Winchester Model 72, introduced in 1938, offers a glimpse into a less heralded chapter of Winchester’s storied rifle lineage, nestled between the illustrious Model 52 and the popular Model 69. As a derivative of the Model 69 designed by Frank Burton, the Model 72 features distinctive enhancements such as a tubular magazine (Winchester’s first foray into tube-fed bolt-action design) and a simplified two-position safety at the rear of the action. This model diverges from its magazine-fed predecessors by offering a high-capacity solution, accommodating up to 20 .22 Short cartridges, which was a significant selling point against competing entry-level rifles of the era.

The Model 72 was available in various configurations, primarily distinguished by their sighting options. The standard variant boasted a unique receiver-mounted aperture sight, eschewing traditional rear barrel sights, which were neither dovetailed nor prepared for easy scope mounting. This design choice underscored its target-shooting capabilities, although a version with a rear barrel sight was also available upon request. Despite the production pause during WWII, the Model 72 resumed and ultimately concluded its run in 1959, with a total production of 161,412 units. This historical context and its unique features make the Model 72 a fascinating piece for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Winchester rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! 

BF