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Make: Winchester
Model: 62
Serial Number: 89836A on bottom of receiver, 89836 on bottom tang. The presence of the letter “A” after the receiver serial number denotes this rifle had the new (at the time) locking system installed that ensured the bolt started its opening movement as soon as the slide handle was moved to the rear, with no slack between the two.
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action with Three Quarters Length Tubular Magazine and Takedown Receiver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 62”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, and “22 S L. OR LR.-”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN. CONN. - PATENTS PENDING-”. The top of the barrel and receiver are both marked with “WP” proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “89836A”. The bottom tang is marked “89836”.
Barrel Length: 23” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield dovetailed blade. The rear sight is a Marble’s “U”-notch semi-buckhorn sight with riser and fine-adjustable elevation, dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is mounted with a Marble’s peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a round-bottom “corn cob” 10-groove slide handle, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” composition buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear at the heel and toe, and light wear in the checkering. There are two small cracks on the bottom of the wrist at the end of the bottom tang. There are a few compressions and nicks on the buttstock, primarily on the belly and comb. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and 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 80% of its metal finish. There is standard operation wear on the action bar, top of the receiver, bolt, mag tube, and flanks of the barrel. Some of the finish has taken to a patina. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is infrequent oxidation. The screw head slots show minimal tooling marks and remain in excellent condition. The markings on the firearm are notably crisp and clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly, and locks up solidly. The hammer has a quarter-cock safety position. 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, 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 Pump Action Rifle was made in 1939 and is in Fine Condition. It features a 23” barrel, 80% of its original blued finish, a Marble’s peep sight mounted on the top tang, elegant two-piece walnut stocks with a round-bottom “corn cob” 10-groove slide handle, straight grip and comb, and a checkered “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” composition buttplate, crisp markings, sound mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. There are two small cracks in the stock on the bottom of the wrist at the end of the bottom tang. This rifle should be of interest to Winchester collectors, or anyone wanting a nice, light rifle for plinking and small game hunting. The ability of this rifle to feed and chamber .22 Short will be of interest to those living in semi-rural areas who don’t want to upset their neighbors with the sharp crack of .22 Long Rifle.