This is a draft of a future article here for review. As usual, comments are welcome!
John
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The Winchester Model 67 Rifle
In the early 1930s, the competition for .22 single-shot youth rifles was quite spirited. Remington, Stevens, Marlin and Winchester were the main competitors. Since 1932, Winchester had an entry single-shot bolt action, the Model 60, developed sequentially from the models 1900, 1902, 1904, 58 and 59. They all stemmed from an initial John Browning design. The engineers and management at Winchester felt that they could develop that basic Model 60A further, offering the public a really nice and up-to-date successor for a still attractive price. The result of their efforts was the Model 67, introduced in May, 1934. It became enormously popular, and its manufacture continued until 1963. Even today, these rifles are sought after, especially as accurate and very safe beginners’ guns.
The Model 67 inherited the same very interesting design features originated by John Browning in the previous single shot bolt-actions. These made it not only quite practical, useful and inexpensive to own, but also easy to manufacture. For example, there is no receiver which usually houses the action parts and the bolt. In conventional manufacture, the receiver is a separate part that accepts the barrel at its front. In the model 67 as in its predecessors, the barrel and receiver are all crafted from the same piece. The rear of the barrel is simply machined out to accommodate the bolt and another interesting part. While a normal bolt will also incorporate an extractor or extractors, the evolved Model 67 bolt does not. Underneath the bolt is a sliding bar that actually combines three functions – extractor, ejector, and sear. This arrangement was exactly as first conceived by Browning and used in the original Model 1900. The bar became a bit larger and had a longer rearward stroke than the one on the preceding Model 60. Instead of the trigger pivoting on a pin in a normal receiver, it is secured in the stock with a pin running sideways through the stock. This is another feature first used in the Model 1900. The ends of this pin can be seen on both sides of the stock just below the rear of the barrel/receiver. The trigger engages a prong at the rear of the combination sliding bar. The bar itself acts as the sear. It’s pushed down by the trigger acting on its prong and releases the spring-loaded firing pin to fire the rifle when the trigger is pulled.
The bolt handle has a much larger knob than the previous Model 60, a welcome improvement. When the bolt is opened and pulled to the rear, it actuates the sliding bar, which engages the rim of the cartridge case with a projection, pulling it out of the chamber. The bar then pops up under spring pressure to eject the case from the rifle. When the bolt is pressed forward to chamber a round, it is not cocked. The rebounding firing pin remains slightly to the rear of the bolt face when the bolt is closed and locked down. In order to fire the rifle, the cocking knob at the rear of the bolt must be pulled to the rear, spring-loading the firing pin and cocking it preparatory to a trigger pull. This feature ensures that the firer knows that the rifle is purposely cocked and ready to fire. Unlike the previous Model 60, there is a rotary tab at the rear of the bolt that serves as a safety lever. When rotated counterclockwise, it projects into the line of sight and locks the bolt, preventing it from firing or opening.
The rifle can be taken down into two major assemblies by unscrewing the takedown screw located just forward of the trigger guard. The trigger guard is identical to that used on the later-introduced and more sophisticated bolt action repeater, the Model 69. The Model 67 stock is larger and more robust than that on the preceding Model 60.
The barrel length on the Model 67 is quite long by conventional standards, measuring 27” from muzzle to bolt face. The high-speed .22 long rifle cartridge usually achieves maximum velocity at around 19 inches of barrel, but an extra-long barrel gives a noticeable quietness advantage when standard or special low velocity rounds are fired. This helps when eliminating garden pests while not disturbing the neighbors!
The Model 67 went through a number of changes over the years. The initial model had finger grooves in the stock, which were authorized to be dispensed with in late 1935. However, the grooves continued through 1937. An optional chambering in .22 Winchester Rim Fire (now obsolete) was made available in September, 1936. Prior to 1937, the bolt had one flat on its underside. Subsequently there were two, coincidental with a slightly different shape to the extractor projection. A bolt retaining spring was removed in August, 1937. In October, 1937, the stock was enlarged and re-shaped so that the takedown screw would be flush, rather than projecting. In January, 1938, a manufacturing change order was drafted. Changes to the rifle under that order were not actually implemented until 1949, when the designation was changed to “Model 67A.” The main differences were in the extractor/ejector bar spring and the stock stud on the barrel. These alterations resulted in a more forceful ejection of the spent case. Around 1947, the caliber markings on the barrel were abbreviated (22 S.L.OR L.R.) instead of being spelled out. The firing pin configuration was altered a number of times over the rifle’s years of manufacture.
A smoothbore version of the Model 67 came about in September, 1936. A later version had a 24” barrel and a bead sight like that used on the Model 12 shotgun, and was introduced in April. 1940. Both of these were designed to use special .22 LR shot cartridges.
A Model 68 was introduced concurrently with the Model 67 in 1934. It was nothing more than the Model 67 with an aperture rear sight and a hooded front sight. It was discontinued in 1944 when the same sights became optional on the Model 67. Deliveries of the Model 68 were still being made in 1945. The Models 67 and 67A with target sights continued to be cataloged into the 1950s.
In January, 1937, the Model 677 was offered. This was equipped with Winchester scopes of either 2¾ or 5-power and crosshair reticles. A vertical post reticle scope of 2¾ power was an option beginning that November. The barrel had no iron sights, but had scope mounting blocks. The scopes came in separate boxes from those used with the rifles. The Model 677 was not popular and was dropped from the Winchester lineup in 1938. Only 1,400 were produced.
In August, 1937 a “Junior Rifle” was introduced at the prodding of Ad Topperwein, a famous exhibition shooter of that era. The barrel was a shorter 20”, the length of pull was shortened by a little more than one inch, and its weight was 4.5 pounds, a half-pound lighter than the full-size model. This was commonly also called the “Boy’s Rifle.” The post reticle scope could be mounted on some Junior Rifles that were provided with scope blocks. The open sights were retained on this variation, which had see-through tunnels in the scope blocks. These were rarely if ever actually produced.
Production of the Model 67 was halted during most of WWII, beginning again in the closing years of the war. Instead of the earlier chrome plating, the bolt was blued beginning in October, 1944. Chrome plating was reinstituted in 1946 when chromium was no longer rationed for the war effort. The stock shape was changed slightly in 1951. A minor change to the stock stud was made in 1954.
Production number estimates vary depending on the source to as high as over 652,000 for the Model 67. None were ever serial numbered during its span of manufacture and relevant company records are now pretty much nonexistent. Some did have factory serial numbers applied when they were intended for certain foreign purchases. The number of these is not known.
The Model 67 was a very popular first rifle, and used specimens can often be found relatively inexpensively at gun shows and gun shops, and on internet auctions. If a gun is in exceptional condition, the value will be higher, and of some collector interest. Unfired and in its original box, the value would be still higher. To a collector, the Junior Rifle is a bit more desirable. The .22 WRF versions and the smoothbores can draw a doubling of the usual going price. The Model 677 complete with scope is rare and can easily top ten times the standard price range.
Model 67s are considered classic rifles today, with an extensive history dating back to 1900. All of the variations listed here are now gone but fondly remembered by a lot of folks as their first firearm.
(c) 2016 JLM
John
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Winchester Model 67 Rifle
In the early 1930s, the competition for .22 single-shot youth rifles was quite spirited. Remington, Stevens, Marlin and Winchester were the main competitors. Since 1932, Winchester had an entry single-shot bolt action, the Model 60, developed sequentially from the models 1900, 1902, 1904, 58 and 59. They all stemmed from an initial John Browning design. The engineers and management at Winchester felt that they could develop that basic Model 60A further, offering the public a really nice and up-to-date successor for a still attractive price. The result of their efforts was the Model 67, introduced in May, 1934. It became enormously popular, and its manufacture continued until 1963. Even today, these rifles are sought after, especially as accurate and very safe beginners’ guns.
The Model 67 inherited the same very interesting design features originated by John Browning in the previous single shot bolt-actions. These made it not only quite practical, useful and inexpensive to own, but also easy to manufacture. For example, there is no receiver which usually houses the action parts and the bolt. In conventional manufacture, the receiver is a separate part that accepts the barrel at its front. In the model 67 as in its predecessors, the barrel and receiver are all crafted from the same piece. The rear of the barrel is simply machined out to accommodate the bolt and another interesting part. While a normal bolt will also incorporate an extractor or extractors, the evolved Model 67 bolt does not. Underneath the bolt is a sliding bar that actually combines three functions – extractor, ejector, and sear. This arrangement was exactly as first conceived by Browning and used in the original Model 1900. The bar became a bit larger and had a longer rearward stroke than the one on the preceding Model 60. Instead of the trigger pivoting on a pin in a normal receiver, it is secured in the stock with a pin running sideways through the stock. This is another feature first used in the Model 1900. The ends of this pin can be seen on both sides of the stock just below the rear of the barrel/receiver. The trigger engages a prong at the rear of the combination sliding bar. The bar itself acts as the sear. It’s pushed down by the trigger acting on its prong and releases the spring-loaded firing pin to fire the rifle when the trigger is pulled.
The bolt handle has a much larger knob than the previous Model 60, a welcome improvement. When the bolt is opened and pulled to the rear, it actuates the sliding bar, which engages the rim of the cartridge case with a projection, pulling it out of the chamber. The bar then pops up under spring pressure to eject the case from the rifle. When the bolt is pressed forward to chamber a round, it is not cocked. The rebounding firing pin remains slightly to the rear of the bolt face when the bolt is closed and locked down. In order to fire the rifle, the cocking knob at the rear of the bolt must be pulled to the rear, spring-loading the firing pin and cocking it preparatory to a trigger pull. This feature ensures that the firer knows that the rifle is purposely cocked and ready to fire. Unlike the previous Model 60, there is a rotary tab at the rear of the bolt that serves as a safety lever. When rotated counterclockwise, it projects into the line of sight and locks the bolt, preventing it from firing or opening.
The rifle can be taken down into two major assemblies by unscrewing the takedown screw located just forward of the trigger guard. The trigger guard is identical to that used on the later-introduced and more sophisticated bolt action repeater, the Model 69. The Model 67 stock is larger and more robust than that on the preceding Model 60.
The barrel length on the Model 67 is quite long by conventional standards, measuring 27” from muzzle to bolt face. The high-speed .22 long rifle cartridge usually achieves maximum velocity at around 19 inches of barrel, but an extra-long barrel gives a noticeable quietness advantage when standard or special low velocity rounds are fired. This helps when eliminating garden pests while not disturbing the neighbors!
The Model 67 went through a number of changes over the years. The initial model had finger grooves in the stock, which were authorized to be dispensed with in late 1935. However, the grooves continued through 1937. An optional chambering in .22 Winchester Rim Fire (now obsolete) was made available in September, 1936. Prior to 1937, the bolt had one flat on its underside. Subsequently there were two, coincidental with a slightly different shape to the extractor projection. A bolt retaining spring was removed in August, 1937. In October, 1937, the stock was enlarged and re-shaped so that the takedown screw would be flush, rather than projecting. In January, 1938, a manufacturing change order was drafted. Changes to the rifle under that order were not actually implemented until 1949, when the designation was changed to “Model 67A.” The main differences were in the extractor/ejector bar spring and the stock stud on the barrel. These alterations resulted in a more forceful ejection of the spent case. Around 1947, the caliber markings on the barrel were abbreviated (22 S.L.OR L.R.) instead of being spelled out. The firing pin configuration was altered a number of times over the rifle’s years of manufacture.
A smoothbore version of the Model 67 came about in September, 1936. A later version had a 24” barrel and a bead sight like that used on the Model 12 shotgun, and was introduced in April. 1940. Both of these were designed to use special .22 LR shot cartridges.
A Model 68 was introduced concurrently with the Model 67 in 1934. It was nothing more than the Model 67 with an aperture rear sight and a hooded front sight. It was discontinued in 1944 when the same sights became optional on the Model 67. Deliveries of the Model 68 were still being made in 1945. The Models 67 and 67A with target sights continued to be cataloged into the 1950s.
In January, 1937, the Model 677 was offered. This was equipped with Winchester scopes of either 2¾ or 5-power and crosshair reticles. A vertical post reticle scope of 2¾ power was an option beginning that November. The barrel had no iron sights, but had scope mounting blocks. The scopes came in separate boxes from those used with the rifles. The Model 677 was not popular and was dropped from the Winchester lineup in 1938. Only 1,400 were produced.
In August, 1937 a “Junior Rifle” was introduced at the prodding of Ad Topperwein, a famous exhibition shooter of that era. The barrel was a shorter 20”, the length of pull was shortened by a little more than one inch, and its weight was 4.5 pounds, a half-pound lighter than the full-size model. This was commonly also called the “Boy’s Rifle.” The post reticle scope could be mounted on some Junior Rifles that were provided with scope blocks. The open sights were retained on this variation, which had see-through tunnels in the scope blocks. These were rarely if ever actually produced.
Production of the Model 67 was halted during most of WWII, beginning again in the closing years of the war. Instead of the earlier chrome plating, the bolt was blued beginning in October, 1944. Chrome plating was reinstituted in 1946 when chromium was no longer rationed for the war effort. The stock shape was changed slightly in 1951. A minor change to the stock stud was made in 1954.
Production number estimates vary depending on the source to as high as over 652,000 for the Model 67. None were ever serial numbered during its span of manufacture and relevant company records are now pretty much nonexistent. Some did have factory serial numbers applied when they were intended for certain foreign purchases. The number of these is not known.
The Model 67 was a very popular first rifle, and used specimens can often be found relatively inexpensively at gun shows and gun shops, and on internet auctions. If a gun is in exceptional condition, the value will be higher, and of some collector interest. Unfired and in its original box, the value would be still higher. To a collector, the Junior Rifle is a bit more desirable. The .22 WRF versions and the smoothbores can draw a doubling of the usual going price. The Model 677 complete with scope is rare and can easily top ten times the standard price range.
Model 67s are considered classic rifles today, with an extensive history dating back to 1900. All of the variations listed here are now gone but fondly remembered by a lot of folks as their first firearm.
(c) 2016 JLM
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