Photos of my 'new' classic Winchester

[KirkD]

Well fellows, I've had a hankerin' for an original Winchester Model 65 Winchester for more than 13 years. When I saw this one in 32 WCF (32-20) come up for auction, I put in a bid and won it. Since money doesn't grow on trees, unlike what my kids think, I had to sell my original 1892 32-20 to help fund this new purchase. Men, she's a beauty. The serial number puts the date of this little rifle at probably 1941 or 1942. The Model 65 was the final variation of the Model 1892 action. It is very rare, with only a total of 5,717 made. The calibers were 25-20, 32-20 and 218 Bee. The 218 Bee is the most common and the 32-20 is the rarest, with only 1,277 ever made. In my opinion, the little Model 65 is described by 'light' and 'elegant'. When I lifted it out of its case two days ago, I was thrilled. It is a beauty and photos simply do not do it justice. The 32-20 cartridge is my favourite small game cartridge. Original loads put a 115 grain bullet out the barrel at 1,225 fps. Today's factory loads are slightly slower. Winchester also put out a High Velocity load for the Model 92, 53 and 65 that sent a 115 grain bullet out the barrel at 1,635 fps. I'll be developing my own loads using a 90 grain cast bullet (might be from a RCBS mould). I haven't had the time to take a nice desktop photo yet, and probably won't until the fall, but here are a couple snapshots I took today ...

Winchester Model 65, 32-20, made in the 1940's


Down by the Alfalfa field where the Woodchucks hide

[Old Savage]

What a great score - congratulations.

[rangerider7]

Great looking lever. I have a 53 in 32-20 and love it.

[Blaine]

It's beautiful, Sir.........I am happy for you beyond words.....

[woods-walker]

That is one nice rifle! I cannot imagine a better selection for use in and around your fields.

[brucew44guns]

Kirk---I am sure that if I could have a chance to buy even some of your cast off old beater rifles, I would take all of them I could afford and be happy. You are a descriminating buyer, and always seem to come onto treasures. Thanks for sharing your finds, and relaying your enthusasam for fine rifles.

[Andrew]

Me likey.

[gamekeeper]

Congratulations Kirk, beautiful rifle.

I found a 32/20 today but it's a Husqvarna bolt action single shot as you know, that's not what I'm looking for!

[rjohns94]

that is one of the nicest levers I have seen in a long time. simply beautiful. thanks for posting. it was well worth the wait of 13 years. simply beautiful is all I can say. Was that on gunbrocker?

[KirkD]

Was that on gunbrocker?

It was in the spring Kull & Supica auction (in Kansas, I think ..... I bid by internet).

[BenT]

I'm sure you lost some sleep on wether trading up was the right move. It sounds like it was. Also your a lucky dog to have some woodchucks to shoot. I had a lucky dog a few years ago. He was so lucky he kill every chuck around my place haven't seen one since.

[KirkD]

I'm sure you lost some sleep on wether trading up was the right move. It sounds like it was. Also your a lucky dog to have some woodchucks to shoot. I had a lucky dog a few years ago. He was so lucky he kill every chuck around my place haven't seen one since.

Ben, when I saw the auction photos of this '65, I didn't loose any sleep at all wondering what to do. I had my bid in so fast, I just about blew a fuse on my computer. I still have some nice 1892's in 44-40 and 38-40, so I'm thrilled to have my 32-20 in the Model 65.

As for the Groundhogs, I shoot them every year, but they just keep multiplying. I ain't complaining, though. My wife told me that I can't fool her when I'm complaining about the groundhogs in the alfalfa field. She knows I'd really miss them if they were gone.

[RIHMFIRE]

you have very elegant taste....a classic indeed...good score!

[1886]

That IS a nice one. You did the right thing. Well done. 1886.

[Griff]

Very nice find.

[Rod WMG]

That's a very beautiful little gun.

Apparently it cuts grass well too!

[Ben_Rumson]

And the obligatory, DROOL....

[WCF3030]

Nice!!

[Sixgun]

Kirk,
Ah man! Can I have it?? Very nice score on a seldom seen Winchester! A "modernized" '92 with a pistol grip, shotgun butt, and a half mag. I have only seen two or three in 32-20 and many more in 218, none of which I have ever been able to lay my hands on. One very beat 65 in 32-20 with about 10% finish was going for $1000 and that was in about 1990.

You take some very nice pictures! Anybody ever tell you that?? -------------Sixgun

[KirkD]

Glad you enjoyed the pictures, Sixgun. You are right about them being dadgummed hard to find, especially in 32-20. I am very happy to have this one. If I have time tomorrow, I'll post a photo that has a Model 1892, a Model 53 and this Model 65 laying side by side in the same picture so that some of the forum members who are not familiar with the latter two can see them all together in one picture and see how much lighter and more compact the '92 actioned rifles became towards the end of their time.

[Ysabel Kid]

Patience pays off! Wow Kirk, that is indeed a beauty. I'm looking forward to many range reports on that baby!!!

[Bigahh]

Beautiful Kirk! Looks like plenty of rain in your neck of the woods, everything looks nice and green.

[KirkD]

Bigahh, this has been a remarkable summer. Everything is lush and green.

Ysabel, I hope to load up at least three different loads tomorrow. Hope to have a range report next week.

[JerryB]

Well Kirk you done good again boy.That is just plumb purty.What is the front sight like under the hood? I would say that it comes to the shoulder real clean and smooth. Enjoy it.

[KirkD]

Jerry, the front sight is an adjustable blade with a bead. The hood slides off and I'll probably leave it on because the Model 65 had the hood as standard. You are absolutely right about how it comes to the shoulder. The curved pistol grip and the shape just makes it come to the point of aim beautifully.

[hfcable]

that is just superb! you have really great guns, the kind to use AND drool over!

[Jaguarundi]

Oh how sweet it is !

[Paladin]

Glad you enjoyed the pictures, Sixgun. You are right about them being dadgummed hard to find, especially in 32-20. I am very happy to have this one. If I have time tomorrow, I'll post a photo that has a Model 1892, a Model 53 and this Model 65 laying side by side in the same picture so that some of the forum members who are not familiar with the latter two can see them all together in one picture and see how much lighter and more compact the '92 actioned rifles became towards the end of their time.

That's a very beautiful little gun. Thanks for the photos and information I learn something everyday and sometimes enjoy it.

[Hobie]

Neat and another calendar "girl" to boot!

[2ndovc]

That's a real beauty, Kirk!!

jb

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Wow, nice even wear and good grain in the wood ... especially the forearm. The closest I've come is a Browning/Miroku in 218 ... just to feel how they handle and shoot.

[cshold]

Very well done Kirk.
As Hobie said, a definate 10 for the calendar.

[rangerider7]

Here's my 53. That's a Colt SAA 32-20 with it. Mine is not quite in the condition yours is but it's pretty good. It shoots great and is so light. I carry it to the ranch often and got some hand-loads from a friend for hogs and coyotes. Have fun with yours and I'll start looking for a Model 65 myself. The model 55 and 65s I see are in bad condition most of the time or they are pristine and demand a non-shooting price. That's the way it is.

[KirkD]

Rangerider, that is a beautiful '53 and it's in an excellent caliber.

[cshold]

Here's my 53. That's a Colt SAA 32-20 with it. Mine is not quite in the condition yours is but it's pretty good. It shoots great and is so light. I carry it to the ranch often and got some hand-loads from a friend for hogs and coyotes. Have fun with yours and I'll start looking for a Model 65 myself. The model 55 and 65s I see are in bad condition most of the time or they are pristine and demand a non-shooting price. That's the way it is.

Ahhhh!!!
There yea go, A Colt SAA is the icing on a great lever picture cake.
Very nice.