I thought it would be interesting to spotlight the Winchester Model 69 bolt action rifle and as many of its Winchester look-alikes as I could scrape up, pointing out the differences. So here goes:

First, the original Model 69. It came out in 1935, and was produced for only three years, through 1937. It featured a cock-on-closing action, a two-stage trigger, and a cocking knob that doubled as a safety when pulled back and twisted. Here's one, probably made in 1936:



In 1937, the original Model 69 was modified to cock-on-opening; it featured a very quick lock-time, a single-stage crisp trigger, and a slide-safety mounted on the right side of the action. It came in a number of varieties and was produced through 1963 as the Model 69A. This one features the 80A peep rear sight and the ramped front sight, the trigger is grooved, it has the swept-back bolt, and it's grooved for scope mounting. I estimate that it was made in 1957. By the way, none of these rifles with the exception of the Model 75 were serial numbered.



Here, the bolts and actions of the 69 and 69A are compared:









Later Model 69As, from about 1954 on, were grooved to accept tip-off scope mounts. These are highly favored when found. Here's one with its scope:



A derivative of the 69A was the Model 47. It was a single-shot designed for youngsters. As the bolt was opened, the safety was automatically applied and had to be pushed forward deliberately to fire the gun after the bolt was closed. It was distinguished by its chrome plated bolt and trigger.



Here are a couple of shots of the Model 47 action closed and open:





Here are some comparison shots of the bolts and actions of the Model 47 and the standard Model 69A. Note the stud on the back of the Model 47 bolt that activates the safety on opening.





The Model 75 Target Rifle was a less expensive alternative to the more elaborate Model 52. It used the exact bolt and action of the Model 69A, but used a heavy 27-inch target barrel. They were equipped with a variety of target sights (this one has Redfields), or a target scope could be applied. Base mounting holes were provided on the barrel.



Winchester also produced a sporter version of the Model 75 which featured a shorter and lighter match-grade barrel and a checkered stock with a Winchester-marked grip cap. Here's a pic of this highly-sought-after jewel; this one has a trigger shoe to eliminate overtravel.



The Model 72 was essentially a Model 69A, but suitably modified to utilize an underbarrel tube magazine. The bolts are not interchangeable with the 69A, but are very similar. The Model 72 could not accommodate the trigger adjustment screw found on the Model 69A.



The Model 72 was subsequently modified to what was called the Model 72A. There were some minor action tweaks. Later ones had some chromed parts and were grooved to accept tip-off scope mounts:



Model 69As were generally "plain jane" models with nice, but not exceptional walnut stocks and some options with respect to sights and chambering. However, this 69A was upgraded by request at the factory to "deluxe" status with checkering, a Winchester grip cap, and extra-nice finishing. It's grooved for a scope, and as it has a straight bolt handle, I'd have to peg its date of manufacture as 1954. It may be unique, although I've heard rumors of others. It appears to be factory in all respects. It remains unfired since manufacture. Apparently an old gentleman who lived in the New Haven area had special ordered it, and it's passed through two collectors to me.



And there you have it - a pictorial representation of the Model 69 family. Hope you found it of interest.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Very nice report with excellent pictures. I got bit by the 69 bug and have the standard grooved, match, target, JTSS and a 69 dualsight. Who would have thought they could take the same rifle and make so many variaitions of it? I also have a really nice 72A grooved, but no 47 yet.

Paladin, thanks for showcasing the m69. As I mentioned in the related post a couple of days ago my m69 that was my father's first firearm has the cock-on-opening bolt, 26" barrel, two stage trigger, and rear peep sight/front ramp. The front sight hood is the only thing missing and has been gone for at least 50 years that I know of. I do have the original Winchester 5 shot and 10 shot magazines. I much prefer the 5 shot one as the 10 shot one protrudes below the stock right at the rifle's balance point. The 5 shot magazine, as you know, fits flush with the bottom of the stock and makes carrying in one's hand more natural and comfortable.

Very nice little rifles and I treasure mine.

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S&W Armorer
Lost in the 50s

HI, new to this site and I know this thread is a year old but I'm hoping you can help.
My first rifle was/is a model 69. It has a slightly bulged barrel no doubt from something I did when I was young. its been shot countless times unnoticed since and still holds a very nice 50 yard Iron sight group.
69 barrels are scarce... are there any models interchangeable with it? 47 barrels are not so scarce..just a thought..
Is sleeving it and option?
or do I just keep shooting it?
thanks for any help

Quite frankly, I would just leave it alone if it groups OK. You could have a gunsmith re-barrel it with any Model 69A barrel (these will fit Model 69 receivers), probably available from Numrich Gun Parts Corp., but these will be marked "69A" rather than "69". For the money you would spend to do that, you could just buy a complete 69A. Model 47 barrels are really scarce, because they didn't make as many of them as Model 69 and 69As, and they will be marked as 47s. Sleeving the barrel takes special gunsmithing skills and would be really expensive.

If yours is an original cock-on-closing knob-bolt 69, it's getting to be collectible, and so modifying it in any way would decrease its value. Bottom line, probably best to leave it as is.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

PALADIN, once again I''m still blown away with your excellent photography. You also have good taste in Winchester rimfires. I don't seem to have the patience to learn how to take such nice and clear pictures. I still don't have a model 47, but I'm going to Tulsa next month aand might get lucky.

I have quite a few different Winchester .22s, but I'll be looking for a 47, model 58 aand possibly a 52. I have a few that are not to common including a .22 short model 56, a 57, and a thumbtrigger. S&Ws and Winchester .22s are my addiction.

Here is a picture of my 69s. Missing in picture is my 69A target.



56s, 57, 59, 60AT, 60A



Grooved 72A

Thank you for the info John..
I think I will take your advice and just leave it alone.
Its Still a Very fun shooter. And probably groups better than okay if someone other than me were shooting it

Hi:
IIRC ? I have a Model 67 (single shot), a Model 69 Target, and a Model 72.

I have a standard md 69A with the older features, straight bolt handle
and ungrooved receiver. It has the plain open sights, no peep, but
shoots very small groups with standard velocity ammo. Great old
fashion quality in an ordinary firearm.

My first gun was a Winchester 69A, exactly in the configuration you describe, made in 1949. With my youthful eyesight, I could shoot the centers out of pennies glued to the x-ring of a target at 30 paces. These were (and are) very accurate rifles.

Here I am, age 15, shooting that rifle on the desert north of Phoenix.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I didn't include the single-shot Winchester Model 67 in this lineup because it's really not a Model 69 derivative, but a whole different animal. It has no receiver, but instead the receiver is cut out of the rear of the barrel, which measures a long 27 inches from breech face to muzzle. This uses an entirely different bolt, which must be manually cocked after closing, using the knob on the back of the bolt, in order to fire. It has a rotating lever safety on the back of the bolt. It does have a stock, sights and trigger guard very similar to the 69A series. There were no extractors on the bolt, but a separate spring-loaded extractor/ejector rail under the bolt served those purposes. These were very popular "starter" rifles sold at an economical price. They were made from 1934 to 1963, with about 384,000 made. Here's a pic:

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Hey John,
I just recieved a 47 model 22lr. There was some rust on the barrel which I got off pretty easily but unfortunately there is some minor pitting. Anyways the problem: The gun had no bolt when I received it so I need some advice on where I can acquire one. Also I was wondering if the model 69's bolt was compatible with 47 since they look pretty similar from your pictures.

Unfortunately, the bolts of the 69A and the 47 are quite different, as are the safety mechanisms. See the pictures above, which show the differences. The Model 47 did not enjoy an extensive manufacture life, so I'd be willing to guess that the bolts by themselves would be super scarce. I'd try Gun Parts Corp. or Jack First as sources, but don't get your hope up.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

My best shooting .22 ever was a Winchester M75 Target. I made a heavy barreled sporter out of it by cutting the barrel back 4", and recrowning it, changing to a M69a stock which I checkered and added a rosewood end cap and pistol grip cap. Topped it off with a Leupold 4xRF scope. I tried every brand of ammo I could find, and nothing shot better out of it than standard Remington High Velocity .22lr. I gave to a good friend for safe keeping. (May have to go back and visit it for a squirrel hunt some day!)

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Been up since before breakfast

I have a model 69A. First rifle I ever owned! I kind of inherited from my father who got it from my uncle? Don't ask me but I ended up with it and it went with me wherever I went. That was back in the day when no one questioned a kid with his 22 slung over his shoulder!
Great rifle,makes me want to get it out and take it to the range,,,, wellll skip that, toooo freaking cold out to hit the range!
Maybe in the spring !
But back in the day I sure did like that .22 !

Great thread! Thanks to PALADIN85020 for starting it and to harmonpaul for recently resurrecting it. My first gun too was a 69A, probably one of the last ones Winchester built; late 1962 or maybe 1963. Mowed a lot of lawns to be able to purchase it, and then used it on what seemed like hundreds of woodchucks; probably dozens anyway. Still have that first rifle and found another in beautiful condition with target peep sight a couple years ago at a gun show. Keeping both of them for the grandsons. Thanks again for great thread that brought back lots of memories.

Jeff
SWCA #1457