Make: Winchester

Model: 65

Serial Number: 1002739

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1937

Caliber: .218 Bee

Action Type: Lever Action with Button Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base forged to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The bolt has a 98a peep sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with semi-beavertail capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are more notable dings at the heel on the left and on the bottom-front of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light nicks and scratches with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: The barrel's finish is Original, the receiver has been Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with infrequent edge-thinning. There are a few light scuffs and scratches, most notable on the front sight ramp. The receiver's finish has a slight plum hue. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as partially refinished.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 65 had a relatively short run in the time-span of Winchester lever-action rifles. Manufactured from 1933 to 1945, the Model 65 could be described as a successor to the Model 53, which itself was an improvement on the design of the famous Model 1892. The Model 65 was the rarest of the 1892 family. Only about 7,000 were manufactured, compared to 25,000 for the Model 53 and approximately a million for the 1892. The Model 1892 and its successors were all chambered in popular small-game cartridges. This Model 65 was produced fairly early, ca. 1937. The .218 Bee is based on the .32-20 cartridge necked down to .22 caliber. It has maintained a devoted following since the 1930s as a small caliber, high velocity target and varmint cartridge that will fit into pistol-caliber actions. The barrel finish is Original, but the receiver has been refinished. The rifle retains a nice bore and strong mechanics. With its limited production and pre-war manufacture date, this Model 65 should be of interest to the Winchester collectors and should still prove to be a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!