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winchester 65 218 bee.

Geri
DOM?
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • Geri
    Oops. SN 57113 Thanks
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  • TRAP55
    1896
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  • hrf
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    1896


    ?? - Trap, Flayderman lists production dates for the Model 65 as 1933-1947, and the .218 Bee was introduced in 1938.
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  • TRAP55
    quote:Originally posted by hrf
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    1896


    ?? - Trap, Flayderman lists production dates for the Model 65 as 1933-1947, and the .218 Bee was introduced in 1938.

    hrf, Didn't make sense to me either, but serial number 57113 was serialed in the polishing room in 1896. Re-barreled later?
    "Serial numbered entirely within the Model 92 range. Approx. 5,704 made."
    Geri, I would have Michael (aka Mod1892) take a look at this one, and see if it was something the factory did, or bubba just wanted his 1892, to be a Model 65.
    http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=606355
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  • Bert H.
    The serial number Geri asked about is a Model 1892 (and it will undoubtedly be marked as such on the upper tang). Model 1892 serial number 57113 was manufactured in March of 1896. Over the past many years, I have encountered at least a few dozen Model 1892 rifles that have been rebarreled using a Model 65 barrel.

    The correct serial number range for a factory original Model 65 rifle is 999600 - 1007608, which is the tail end of the Model 92 serial number range. Based on my research survey, nearly all of the serial numbers above 999999 are Model 65 rifles.

    In regards to the 218 Bee, it was actually introduced in the year 1937, and was first listed in the January 1938 catalog. I have observed several early 218 rifles with "37" marked barrels.

    Flayderman (and others auhtors) do not have all of their facts quite right concerning the Model 65. Production of the Model 65 began in March of 1933, and it ended in December of 1945. To sell off the remaining stock on hand, Winchester listed them through the 1948 catalog. The total production as listed by previous authors is 5,704 or 5,714, but my research indicates that the total number manufactured was at least 7,750.

    For those who are interested, I am conductiong a research survey documenting that Model 65 production. Thus far I have found and recorded the statistical information for 248 (3.12%) of the total production. Once I reach the 5% mark, I will publish an in depth article (in the "WINCHESTER Collector" magazine) detailing the Model 65 production history and statistics. If anyone would like to contribute to the survey, please send me a PM or an email (Win1885@msn.com)
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    quote:Originally posted by hrf
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    1896


    ?? - Trap, Flayderman lists production dates for the Model 65 as 1933-1947, and the .218 Bee was introduced in 1938.

    hrf, Didn't make sense to me either, but serial number 57113 was serialed in the polishing room in 1896. Re-barreled later?
    "Serial numbered entirely within the Model 92 range. Approx. 5,704 made."
    Geri, I would have Michael (aka Mod1892) take a look at this one, and see if it was something the factory did, or bubba just wanted his 1892, to be a Model 65.
    http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=606355


    It is without a doubt a "bubba" or gunsmith conversion. The Model 65 barrels were all date stamped on the bottom right next to the threaded shank.
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  • Geri
    Thank you all. the top tang is marked 1892. The barrel is facory though or at least it appears to be.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Geri
    Thank you all. the top tang is marked 1892. The barrel is facory though or at least it appears to be.


    Geri,

    Does it have a "P" in a circle stamped on it near the frame ring? If so, it is a mail order replacement barrel intended for non factory installation.
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  • praire dog
    I have a 1892 lever action with a 218 bee barrel with the serial number 34983x. I bought the gun at an auction years ago, it has a peep sight on it and works and shoots great, at the time I got it I email Bert and the answer I got seems to be that the gun was re barreled at one time makes sense. still it's an awesome shooter and fun. Praire dog
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  • Geri
    Bert, what was the original caliber? Thanks.
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