697 Winchester
Years ago, I purchased a model 69(not 69A) Winchester. The rifle has a 25" barrel and no provision for iron sights. It has Winchester marked ajustable mounts (rear only). The scope on it has no adjustments, it's just a straight tube and is marked Ranger model 4 I don't believe the scope is original to the rifle. I have read about a model 697 and this piece seems to match that description, but it is only marked 69. Can anyone shed some light on this Winchester?
Taperloc
Taperloc
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You do not often see the Model 697. While this rifle looked similar to the Model 69, the 697 had no sights, instead scope bases were attached to the barrel. The choice of scopes from the factory was either 2-3/4X or 5X, the scope being pack seperately from the rifle. This model had very limited appeal when matched against the company's own Model 69A and the 697 was only produced from 1937 up until the start of WWII. The 69A was introduced the same year as the Model 697 and continued in the Winchester line until the early 1960's. I believe the retail price when the Model 697 was dropped was about $12.50 and the Model 69A retailed for $36 in its last year of production. Like all Winchesters there is collector interest in these rifles and I saw a NIB example of a Model 697 with the hang tag and the unwrapped scope sell for $1700 at an auction. The Model 69 and 69A are not worth nearly as much as a 697.
Your Model 69 was introduced in 1935 and was then replaced by the 69A which had an improved cocking mechanisim (cock on opening) and a different style of bolt handle. I am unaware of any huge premium for Model 69's vs. 69A's. It was possible to order a Model 69 or 69A without sights and these came equipted with a grooved receiver and a premium is typical for these rifles. There are also some other collector nitches such as match rifles (Lyman #57EW receiver sight), target rifles (standard rear peep sight), and a chromed bolt. I hope this information helps you.
Mark T. Christian0 -
Mr. Christian,
I'm still confused. The Model 69 that I have has no iron sights. There is no provision for iron sights, no dove tails in the barrel or screw holes, no grooves in the receiver. The front scope ring is marked, Winchester, trade mark, patant pend. and attached to a base mounted on the barrel. The rear ring, with the adjustments, is mounted to a base on the forward half of the receiver. The rifle looks totally original and does not appear to be an after market mod. I guess my question is, was the 697 marked 697 or just 69 with the above discribed equipment?
Thank you for your input. I realy appreciate it.
Taperloc0 -
Taperloc, A far as I know a Model 697 should be marked as such. Prior to it introduction is 1937 it may well have been possible to order a Model 69 without any provision for iron sights. If you feel that you have the far more valuable Model 697 which was improperly marked at the factory you can easily see the differences by the action and bolt handle. The Model 69 cocked on closing and did not use a swept-back bolt handle. The later Model 69A and 697 cocked on opening and had the swept-back bolt handle. A quick examination for these features should clear things up. I will tell you up front that I am NOT a Winchester expert and you have reached the limit of what I know about this model. More detailed information could certainly be obtained by contacting someone who's specialty is Winchester rimfires.
Mark T. Christian0
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