Just purchased a Winchester Model 47 single shot .22 rifle today - other than the fact that someone applied QD sling swivel studs to the stock, it's in excellent shape.
What I know: It's a bit of a rarity; only manufactured from 1948 to 1954, with 43,123 made. It was designed as a "first rifle" for kids. This was the only Winchester single shot bolt action that cocked automatically on opening the bolt. Opening the bolt engages the safety automatically; it must be released to fire the gun after the bolt is engaged. Earlier bolts were straight-handled, later ones used swept-back handles. This one has a swept-back handle; if it's like the similar 69As, I'd estimate date of manufacture as 1954. Bolt handle, rear of bolt are chromed (or in the white, I can't really tell), as is the trigger, which is grooved. Optionally available were peep rear sights coupled with ramped front sights, similar to those offered on the 69/69As and the 72/72As. Bolt is similar to the one used on the 69As, 72s, and 75s, but is unique to this model. It has a stud at the rear of the bolt which actuates the automatic safety (illustrated). The stock has a groove to clear this stud in back of the bolt. The barrel is obviously also used on the 69A, as it has a dovetail for the 69A stock stud. There is no trigger adjustment, and there is lots of overtravel on the trigger.
What I don't know; any of you Winchester-knowledgeable people knowing, please post!
1. Were earlier bolts' bolt handles, rear tube and/or the trigger blued?
2. Were any grooved for tip-off scope mounts?
3. There is an unusual knurled ring at the root of the bolt handle on this one (see pictures). I've never seen this on any 69A, 75 or 72. Factory? What was its purpose?
At any rate, here are pics of the rifle - see what you think.
John
Here's that strange knurled ring on the bolt:
What I know: It's a bit of a rarity; only manufactured from 1948 to 1954, with 43,123 made. It was designed as a "first rifle" for kids. This was the only Winchester single shot bolt action that cocked automatically on opening the bolt. Opening the bolt engages the safety automatically; it must be released to fire the gun after the bolt is engaged. Earlier bolts were straight-handled, later ones used swept-back handles. This one has a swept-back handle; if it's like the similar 69As, I'd estimate date of manufacture as 1954. Bolt handle, rear of bolt are chromed (or in the white, I can't really tell), as is the trigger, which is grooved. Optionally available were peep rear sights coupled with ramped front sights, similar to those offered on the 69/69As and the 72/72As. Bolt is similar to the one used on the 69As, 72s, and 75s, but is unique to this model. It has a stud at the rear of the bolt which actuates the automatic safety (illustrated). The stock has a groove to clear this stud in back of the bolt. The barrel is obviously also used on the 69A, as it has a dovetail for the 69A stock stud. There is no trigger adjustment, and there is lots of overtravel on the trigger.
What I don't know; any of you Winchester-knowledgeable people knowing, please post!
1. Were earlier bolts' bolt handles, rear tube and/or the trigger blued?
2. Were any grooved for tip-off scope mounts?
3. There is an unusual knurled ring at the root of the bolt handle on this one (see pictures). I've never seen this on any 69A, 75 or 72. Factory? What was its purpose?
At any rate, here are pics of the rifle - see what you think.
John
Here's that strange knurled ring on the bolt:
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