Make: Winchester
Model: 62, British Proofed
Serial Number: 44506A (The “A” at the end of the serial number denotes that this Model 62 has been factory upgraded from the three-pin to the one-pin locking system, it’s NOT affiliated with the modifications that denote the Model 62A).
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action Rifle fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 23” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a round-bottom, “corn cob” grooved slide handle, straight grip, straight comb, and black hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows mostly light but a few moderate nicks, scratches, and compressions, as well as some minor handling and storage marks. There is a small chip on the left side of the forend. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has minor scuffing and scratches, most notably at the heel and toe. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is a bit of stubborn fouling in the grooves and mild erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light scratches and nicks, as well as some specks of light surface erosion. The left side of the receiver and barrel show British proofs but no military marks. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle will slam fire as designed. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Winchester was the first American company to offer a practical .22 pump-action rifle, the Model 1890. Designed by gunmaking genius John Moses Browning, the Model 1890 was patterned after Winchester's iconic lever-actions with a tubular magazine under the barrel, an exposed hammer, and top ejection. It was an instant success and set the standard for all .22 repeaters that followed, including Winchester's Model 1906 and Model 62. The Model 62 was produced from 1932-1958 (a change in the breech bolt mechanism in 1940 brought about the redesignation from Model 62 to 62A) with about 310,000 manufactured in total, and featured flat-sided receivers, round barrels, and outstanding wood to metal fit. The craftsmanship that went into those rifles was appreciated by shooters at the time, and remains valued by collectors today.
This Pre-War Winchester Model 62 Rifle was made in 1937 and is in Very Good condition. It has been reduced to bright, retains matching serial numbers on the receiver and tang, and most interestingly, exhibits British civilian import proof marks (meaning it’s been “across the pond”, twice). It features a 23” barrel, tip-top mechanics, and a mostly bright bore with well-defined rifling. This is a well crafted pre-war Winchester that looks like it has stories to tell, and should be a fun addition to any collection.
RIFLE