Winchester Model 64 1942

BB57 · Oct 22, 2023

I picked up a 20” Winchester Model 64 at a local show today.

Typical of the 1934 through June of 1942 Model 64s it has a receiver drilled for both a receiver sight and a tang sight.

The serial number is in the 1,316xxx range which is after the 1,287,460 start for 1942 but before the 1,500,000 cut off for the end of 1948 with the big gap from 1943-1948.

Based on the proximity to the starting serial number for 1942 (about 28,800 after) it appears it would probably fall with in the June 1942 timeframe.

The short sight ramp is correct for a 20” Model 64 as is the location of the barrel mounted sight.

However either the stock or the fore end isn’t correct to the rifle as the fore end is checkered consistent with a Deer Rifle, and the stock isn’t, consistent with a Standard Rifle.

I’ll need to get it lettered from the Cody Firearms Museum either way if I want to know what it is.

The bluing is around 90% but most of it has turned to a nice patina.

The bore is excellent and it should make a great shooter. At 6 pounds 13 oz, it will become my go to brush hunting rifle if it shoots like my other pre war Model 94 rifle and my pre 64 Model 94 carbines.

I’ll most likely put a vintage tang sight on it.

Buick · Oct 22, 2023

Wonderful! Imho the 64 is one of the most attractive rifles ever made in this country.

mauser9 · Oct 22, 2023

Really stunning and built like a tank I bet. Those classics are a great addition to a collection.

PALADIN85020 · Oct 22, 2023

Very nice. I agree that the 64 is one of the most attractive rifles ever made by Winchester. Here is mine.

John

Quiet Man · Oct 22, 2023

The 64 carbine is not seen often. I think you have good taste. The deluxe would have the forearm cap with the integral sling swivel hole. If it is an original deluxe with the buttstock being replaced, the forearm cap would have been replaced as well. Regardless, I would have taken a long look at your 64 if it had been for sale in my area.

CptCurl · Oct 23, 2023

Nice rifle! You will enjoy shooting it.

Thanks for sharing.

Curly

444 Magnum · Oct 23, 2023

Nice carbine! They are much harder to find than the standard barrel length rifles.
I'm with Quiet Man on the configuration. The butt stock is perfectly fitted and looks original. If the forearm was original, the end cap would have an integral sling base like this.

It's likely the forearm cracked/split and was relaced. You can date the forearm by the checking if you're interested. Pre-war checking was 18 lpi and post war was 20 lpi.

I have two 64's. One is a well used deluxe in .30-30 and the other is a deluxe .219 zipper with the 26" barrel.

As to the Cody letter- I think all you'll get for this 64 will be a serial number application date-no pertinent information as to the rifle configuration.

Quality rifles. Enjoy yours.

.

luvsmiths · Oct 23, 2023

It's a beautiful gun, and the "split" wood just gives it character in my opinion.

I would have had to buy that too!

BB57 · Oct 23, 2023

luvsmiths said:
It's a beautiful gun, and the "split" wood just gives it character in my opinion.

I would have had to buy that too!

It was in the sweet spot for me. Nice looking good-very good overall condition, in excellent mechanical condition, as it will be a shooter. Minty condition collectibles make me nervous actually using them.

Walter Rego · Oct 23, 2023

There is something really special about Winchester lever guns with pistol grip stocks and curved levers along with half magazines. They handle very differently and theoretically are more accurate due to not having the mag tube attached at the muzzle.
Beautiful guns shown here above.

Here is Marlin's version. It currently is fitted with a period correct Lyman No. 56 receiver sight:

TheTinMan · Oct 23, 2023

BB57 said:
I picked up a 20” Winchester Model 64 at a local show today.

Typical of the 1934 through June of 1942 Model 64s it has a receiver drilled for both a receiver sight and a tang sight.

The serial number is in the 1,316xxx range which is after the 1,287,460 start for 1942 but before the 1,500,000 cut off for the end of 1948 with the big gap from 1943-1948.

Based on the proximity to the starting serial number for 1942 (about 28,800 after) it appears it would probably fall with in the June 1942 timeframe.

The short sight ramp is correct for a 20” Model 64 as is the location of the barrel mounted sight.

However either the stock or the fore end isn’t correct to the rifle as the fore end is checkered consistent with a Deer Rifle, and the stock isn’t, consistent with a Standard Rifle.

I’ll need to get it lettered from the Cody Firearms Museum either way if I want to know what it is.

The bluing is around 90% but most of it has turned to a nice patina.

The bore is excellent and it should make a great shooter. At 6 pounds 13 oz, it will become my go to brush hunting rifle if it shoots like my other pre war Model 94 rifle and my pre 64 Model 94 carbines.

I’ll most likely put a vintage tang sight on it.

Very nice rifle!

444 Magnum said:
Nice carbine! They are much harder to find than the standard barrel length rifles.
I'm with Quiet Man on the configuration. The butt stock is perfectly fitted and looks original. If the forearm was original, the end cap would have an integral sling base like this.

It's likely the forearm cracked/split and was relaced. You can date the forearm by the checking if you're interested. Pre-war checking was 18 lpi and post war was 20 lpi.

I have two 64's. One is a well used deluxe in .30-30 and the other is a deluxe .219 zipper with the 26" barrel.

As to the Cody letter- I think all you'll get for this 64 will be a serial number application date-no pertinent information as to the rifle configuration.

Quality rifles. Enjoy yours.
.

Thanks to both of you for more information on the Winchester Model 64. I stumbled onto one at an auction preview last year and fell in love immediately. The lines are basically perfect to my eye, and the balance in your hands is ideal. An American classic! However, the price got away from me during bidding. Fortunately, I was able to get a slightly nicer one made in 1949 a few months later.

thetinman-albums-lever-actions-picture26978-winchester-model-64-deer-rifle-right-full.jpeg

thetinman-albums-lever-actions-picture26980-winchester-model-64-deer-rifle-right-receiver.jpeg

This one came with the Super Grade sling swivels and you can see the integral sling swivel base in the forend cap. 24” barrel. The receiver is drilled for a peep sight but no provision for a tang sight. Also, there’s no roll mark on the top tang. Instead all of the information is printed on the left side of the barrel. (I’ll try to get a good pic of the roll mark and add it later.)

PALADIN85020 · Oct 24, 2023

Just to add another dimension to the model 64 saga, here is an advertisement that dates back to 1945.

John

brendonjames65 · Oct 24, 2023

Congratulations on a beautiful rifle! A very classy whitetail hunting rifle.

BB57 · Oct 24, 2023

PALADIN85020 said:
Just to add another dimension to the model 64 saga, here is an advertisement that dates back to 1945.

John

$61.55 in 1945 is equivalent to $1052 in 2023.

$74.70 in 1945 is equivalent to $1277.

Winchester Model 64 1942

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