Pre-64 Winchester 64 .30-30 Win 24" Lever Action RifleOur Assessment: Winchester's venerable Model 94 rifle, long a favorite of hunters and outdoorsmen, was beginning to lose sales in the early 1920's, although the shorter barreled carbine was still popular. More people were traveling by motorcar and railroad, and Winchester thought a takedown rifle based on the Model 94 would sell well. The Model 55 was introduced in 1924, but never sold particularly well, and was discontinued in 1932 when it was superseded by the Model 64. The Model 64 was a redesign of the Model 55 with a longer magazine tube and made with a solid frame only. The Model 64 stayed in production until 1957, with a total of only 66,783 manufactured, making it one of the Rarer lever action models made by Winchester. A 2nd batch of 8250 was produced in the early 1970's, but those made before 1964 have better quality and smoothness of operation than that found on more modern Model 94's. This a Winchester Model 64 Rifle in .30-30 Win. with a 24" barrel and 3/4 length magazine tube. The rifle is in Very Good overall condition, showing honest wear, a nice bore and strong mechanics. Our bore gauge measured a Me of 1.0, indicating limited use over the last 70 years. If the collectors don't take enough notice, this will make someone a very nice deer rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Winchester
Model: 64
Serial Number: 1803671
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Magazine Tube
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-", "-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-" and "MODEL 64 – 30-30 WIN-". The top of the barrel and the receiver chamber ring are marked with a "WP" proof. The underside of the receiver is marked "1803671".
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base forged to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped, semi-beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches with notable finish loss throughout the buttstock. There are also two notable light gashes on the left side of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light oxidation in the checkering and finish loss and scratches along the edges. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Plus 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 and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is light finish loss along the leading edges of the receiver and lever. There are some scratches and freckles of oxidation also visible on the receiver flanks. There are a few faint little marks visible on the barrel that are hardly noticeable. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE