Make: Winchester

Model: Model 62A

Serial Number: 232796

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 23”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, straight-grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There are some scattered nicks and scuffs, mostly on the buttstock and most notable at the toe. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering. The stocks rate in Very Good-plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The balance of the finish is mostly handling wear and minor oxidation on the trigger guard and bottom tang. There is a little wear around the edges of the trigger guard on the receiver and a patch of wear on the barrel over the forend. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good 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 62A is the final evolution of the classic Model 1890 slide-action .22 rifle, representing decades of refinement in Winchester’s iconic pump-action rimfire lineup. Produced from 1939 until 1958, the 62A retained the feel and reliability of earlier models while featuring simplified internal changes and improved handling.

Chambered here in .22 Short with a triangle-cut loading port on the magazine, this rifle is a desirable "Gallery Gun". These rifles were particularly popular for shooting galleries where the mild cartridge offered low recoil and excellent accuracy. The triangle cut facilitated the use of a speed-loader to quickly ready the rifle for the next customer. With its sleek lines, exposed hammer, and classic walnut furniture, the Model 62 embodies a bygone era of American firearm craftsmanship and the Gallery Guns are just that little bit more special, especially for those who used them in their youth.

Collectors of pre-1964 Winchesters, pump-action aficionados, and gallery gun enthusiasts alike will appreciate this example’s condition and authenticity. Still mechanically sound and retaining much of its original finish, this is a great piece to add to a vintage rimfire collection or to enjoy on the range as it was meant to be. Please see our photos and good luck!