Winchester Model 64

bigmoose · Dec 8, 2020

My collection of deer rifles consisted of only Remingtons and Savages, well, up until yesterday. A friend has a 64 that I always thought was a very cool rifle. He knows how to use it too, having killed dozens of whitetails with it. I was amazed at how light and well balanced it was. A half magazine tube and a 24" rapid taper barrel have much to do with that. The pistol grip on a lever gun is a really neat feature, in my opinion.

So, for a while I have been keeping an eye out for a nice example, (kinda hard to find, because they never met my high condition requirement) preferably in the .32 WS chambering... just like my friend's rifle. I like odd or outdated cartridges (see my thread on the .303 Savage). I stopped by to visit another friend and gun monger for a holiday visit yesterday. A lever Winchester caught my eye. Bluing very much in the high 90's percentage range. Until I got it in my hands I wasn't sure if it was a 64, a 53, or maybe a 55? Like I said, I am into Remingtons and Savages. I rolled the rifle over to read the barrel inscription.....and YES, a 64 in .32! A little haggling, just to amuse ourselves, and it was mine.

Early Christmas present to myself. Well, I guess I am in the Winchester club now. And yes, I have great friends who I hold dear.

Anyone else into 64s? I believe mine was made in 1950.

armadillo · Dec 8, 2020

I have 2, 30-30 and 32. They are beautiful rifles. I disposed of most of my Winchester lever guns, but I will hold on to these 64s.

Thomas M. Black · Dec 8, 2020

I have a pre war deLuxe short rifle in 32 with 1X wood and a deLuxe 30-30 rifle made my birth year, 1954. The 64 is a fine old deer killer.
Tom Black

hivel37 · Dec 9, 2020

I had a very nice 64 several years ago. Sold it to a friend who stuck
it back for his grandson. Hope he appreciates and enjoys it.

Fishinfool · Dec 9, 2020

I had one in 30-30 that I liked, but never really used other than a couple range trips.

When I decided to make some room in the safe, it was one of herd I decided to sell.

It was the first year of PA's new elk season, and the guy who bought it for his 14 year old son who was the lucky recipient of one of those rare first elk tags.

Didn't think much else about it until several months later when he e-mailed me a photo of his son with a beautiful 6x6 bull, taken with that rifle. Sure made my day.

Larry

dmar · Dec 9, 2020

Congratulations, nothing like a Winchester rifle, and that's a beauty...!

dsf · Dec 9, 2020

I have a Winchester Model 71 and have been on the lookout for a suitable Model 64 for a long time - they're the sleek version of the bulkier Model 71. Haven't been able to find one in good enough condition (kind of like the one pictured by the OP) without having to donate blood for several years.

The Winchester 65 is a close 2nd.

Leaning toward 32 Special rather than 30 WCF as I have a 1948 made 94 in that caliber.

Ruger 13 · Dec 9, 2020

Didn't they make that in 22 hornet?

s&wchad · Dec 9, 2020

Ruger 1 said:
Didn't they make that in 22 hornet?

No, but Winchester did offer the Model 64 in .219 Zipper and the Model 65 in .218 Bee.

Winchester did offer the Model 43 and Model 70 in .22 Hornet, but those were bolt actions.

Jessie · Dec 9, 2020

I have my Grandfathers 64 in .32WS. It's still pristine. He used it one week per year in Va. for deer and it lived in his closet for the other 51 weeks. I believe he bought it pre-war, but I'm not sure.
In his memory, I use it in the same Virginia mountains he carried it in by the Jackson river in western Va.
It's a fine rifle and will be the last to go along with my Dads model 12 my Grandfather bought for him when he returned from Europe in 1945.

Winchester Model 64

bigmoose

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