Pre-64 Winchester

Eagle59

I know this has probably been asked and answered many times, but being new to this forum, I thought I would chance it. My brother has an old Winchester lever action that is mechanically good, but has had some neglect and is sporting some rust and needs a blue job bad. He told me it was mine for the asking. I would be more inclined to spend $125 on a blue job if it were a pre-64. Question: Is there an easy way to tell the date or approximate date of manufacture?

Eagle59

What is the difference between pre-64 and post-64?

Model 12

Yes. There is a website for a gun dealer that I have dealt with that has the info. Try www.oldguns.net and go to the bottom of (I think) the first page. There is a link asking "how old is your winchester". You pick the model, key in the S/N, and out spurts the build date.

bullelk

SaxonPig has it right. Use the very fine steel wool and lots of oil, and lightly remove what surface rust you can without being too aggressive.
You can save the extra 125 bucks towards another gun. If you want, you can post the serial # using the last 3 digits as X's. One of us can give you a date.

"If All Else Fails, Read The Directions"



Edited by - bullelk on 06/12/2002 16:44:34

Eagle59

Thank you very much. I know now, from the serial number, that it is a post '64. I very much appreciate the insight, and will spend the money on a new one, maybe another caliber, since I have no need for another 30-30!