Bert H or other experts

kumate

November 18, 2016 10:58

how do you date a Winchester 69 or 69a as they don't have a serial number

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  tsr1965

  November 18, 2016 16:50

  Is there a date stamp on the bottom side of the barrel, nearest the receiver?

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  waltermoe

  November 20, 2016 16:41

  You are right in that they did not have serial numbers. If the bolt cocks on closing then it is a 69 made prior to November 1937, if the bolt cocks on opening and has a straight bolt, was made more than likely between 1938 and 1945, from what I have read starting in 1946 bolt was bent back some, and the trigger was grooved. The one that I have I figure was made between 1938 and 1945.

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  Bert H.

  November 21, 2016 11:48

  The barrel date (2-digit year number) that tsr1956 mentioned is best method for determining the approximate date of manufacture. That stated, Winchester stopped stamping the 2-digit year number on the barrels in 1955.
  
  There is one true Model 69/69A expert (a friend of mine) that can very closely determine the manufacture date, but it requires a hands on inspection. He is very nearly ready to publish a superb reference book about the Model 69/69A/697 series of rifles.

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