Winchester Model 72

pdfbjf

I was given a Winchester Model 72 and can't find out anything about it. It's big, heavy, obviously for bench shooting, 22 cal lr. Where can I find out more like value, usage, etc.?
Thanks!

rufe-snow

Go to the "Rimfire Central" forum, by GOOGLE'ing the name. The have a board dedicated to Winchester's .22's. Those guys will be happy to give you chapter and verse on your 72.

Bert H.

Hello PDF,

There is no real need to visit the website mentioned by the previous respondent, as I can most likely answer any questions that you may have. That said, there is a real fine group of Winchester .22 caliber afficionados that hang out there (myself included).

As for your Model 72, the following is a brief history for your benefit (and all others who may be interested).

Announced in the March 4, 1938 catalog, Winchester debuted their very first tube fed bolt-action .22 caliber rifle (to compete with their competitors products). The Model 72 has its roots in the Model 69 magazine fed rifle. The first Model 72 rifles were delivered to warehouse stock on April 18, 1938, and it was discontinued in December of 1959 (total production was 161,412).

The Model 72 could be ordered with standard open sights, or with a peep sight. It could also be provided with telescope bases and either a 2-3/4-power or a 5-power scope (packed separately). It was interchangeably chambered for 22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle. In February of 1939, a Gallery Special version was offered (in 22 Short only), but it was discontinued at the outbreak of WW II. The magazine capacity is as follows; 22 Short = 20 cartridges, 22 Long = 16 cartridges, and 22 Long Rilfe = 15 cartridges. Only one barrel length was offered (25-inches). Unfortunately, this model was not serialized, so it is not possible to pin down a DOM. In the 1939 catalog, it was priced as follows;

With peep rear sight and ramp front sight ......... $14.70
With open rear sight - no ramp .................... $13.95
With Winchester 2-3/4 X Telescope ..............add $4.90
With Winchester 5 X Telescope ..................add $6.40
With Winchester 5 X Telescope and no iron sights... $21.00
With Winchester 2-3/4 X Telescope and no sights ... $19.30

By 1957, the suggested wholesale price for the first two options was $30.75 and $28.75 respectively.

Current values are strictly dependent upon the factory originality, which options and variant you have, and most importantly, the graded condition. The value range is anywhere from as little $50 to as much as $1200.