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
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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