Make: Winchester

Model: 62A

Serial Number: 184159

Year of Manufacture: 1946 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action), Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 23" (The Model 62 marked barrel is correct for this serial range)

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded post dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. 

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with a straight comb, straight-wrist grip, longer 17 rib type forend, and a checkered hard-rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows moderate wear with some scuffs and stubborn dirt in the checkering. The furniture shows light wear with scattered pressure dings and light scratches. Most notable is a small chip taken from the front right side of the forend. The LOP measures 13.125" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no cracks. This furniture rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The receiver shows edge wear and freckling. There is light finish loss on the magazine tube from operation. The bolt shows light operational wear. The barrel shows finish loss where the forend rubs while cycling the action. Additionally, there are some small scratches and minor spots of surface oxidation. The screw heads show minimal tooling and retain strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a high condition post war example of Winchester's iconic slide action rimfire, retaining approximately 97% of its original blue finish. The metal surfaces show deep, even color with light handling evidence, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality and collector appeal. The stock and forend display clean lines and finish consistent with careful use and long term preservation, giving the rifle a crisp and well cared for appearance.

Mechanically, this example is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating minimal use. The action functions correctly and exhibits the smooth, positive pump stroke that established the Model 62A as one of the finest rimfire slide action rifles ever produced. The 23" barrel provides a balanced sporting profile and an excellent sight radius, contributing to confident handling and accuracy.

As a 1946 production Model 62A with strong remaining finish, a superb bore, and full matching numbers, this rifle stands as a desirable representative of Winchester's immediate post war rimfire craftsmanship.