Make: Winchester

Model: 65

Serial Number: 1006291

Year of Manufacture: ca. 1941

Caliber: .32 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Action fed by Internal Tube Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / MODEL 65 / WINCHESTER TRADE MARK / 32 W.C.F” The bottom of the receiver is marked “1006291” The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER TRADE MARK MADE IN USA” The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN CONN”.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated ramp with a protective hood. The rear sight is a buckhorn elevator sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut, with fluted straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, smooth semi pistol grip, and a smooth fore end. The LOP is 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are only minor use and storage marks to the very attractive wood. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light marks from use and storage, but certainly no damage. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

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

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 1947, 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 5,700 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. With its limited production, original finish and pre-war manufacture date, this Model 65 should be of interest to the Winchester collectors.