Bert H or other experts

kumate

how do you date a Winchester 69 or 69a as they don't have a serial number

tsr1965

Is there a date stamp on the bottom side of the barrel, nearest the receiver?

waltermoe

You are right in that they did not have serial numbers. If the bolt cocks on closing then it is a 69 made prior to November 1937, if the bolt cocks on opening and has a straight bolt, was made more than likely between 1938 and 1945, from what I have read starting in 1946 bolt was bent back some, and the trigger was grooved. The one that I have I figure was made between 1938 and 1945.

Bert H.

The barrel date (2-digit year number) that tsr1956 mentioned is best method for determining the approximate date of manufacture. That stated, Winchester stopped stamping the 2-digit year number on the barrels in 1955.

There is one true Model 69/69A expert (a friend of mine) that can very closely determine the manufacture date, but it requires a hands on inspection. He is very nearly ready to publish a superb reference book about the Model 69/69A/697 series of rifles.