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Winchester Model 62

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I. History of the Model 62 | II. Determine Type Model | III. Factory Variations | IV. Condition of Gun |
62 Models (Outline) | Gun Parts Diagram | Timeline of Winchester Gun Production |Home


Which Model of 62 Rifle do you have?

Step 1: Determine the Model of your firearm

There are essentially three Models of the 62 Winchester, with several  factory additions possible within those models.  The first model was the early  'pre-war 62 Model' with a plain walnut straight-grip stock, a flat shotgun-type buttplate, and a smaller (< 5") grooved forearm slide handle.  The next version was the 'Standard 62A Model' and differed by having higher serial numbers and a larger grooved forearm (8" slide handle) .  The third type of model 62 produced was called the "Gallery,"  and this model differed in that it shot only .22 short bullets and had a triangular loading port on the magazine outer loading tube.  Each model could have factory added features (for example a single caliber, a rear peep sight).  

Use the Key to determine which gun you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the path through the key (e.g., go to 'b' or 'c') to determine your Model 62 rifle type.  Then confirm this determination with the overall descriptions.  These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original has undoubtedly decreased the gun's value.

To become familiar with the vocabulary and words used to identify parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Easy Key:

a1. My gun has an exposed hammer and a  23" round and tapered barrel.  ---  Go to section b

a2. My gun does NOT have an exposed hammer and a 23" round and tapered barrel.  You either DO NOT have a Model 62 Winchester or you have a modified or replacement barrel of some type.  The gun's value will be impacted.  If you still feel that your gun is an 62 Winchester,--- Go to section  b.

Round Barrel
(appropriate)

Octagon barrel
(not appropriate)

 

b1. Caliber is .22 Short, Long, and/or Long-rifle with a bullet shaped loading port---  Go to section c

b2.  Caliber is .22 Short only with a triangular shaped loading port---   Go to section d

 

Triangle loading port

 


b3. I can't tell  ---   Go to section e

Study the Outline of Features for possible modifications to the original rifle.

 

 

c1. Gun has a smaller (< 6") grooved handle for the pump forearm and a bullet-shaped loading port
     You have the earliest 62 Model (pre-war).  Check to be sure that your gun has a serial number between 1 and 98,200.  Go to Section Step 2
 

small grooved forearm

c2. Gun has a large (10")  grooved handle for the pump forearm and a bullet-shaped loading port   You have a post-war Model 62 Winchester.  Check to be sure the serial number is after 98,200.  Go to Section Step 2

 

Large forearm


d1. Gun has a triangular loading port in the magazine.  There is a smaller (< 6") grooved forearm.   Serial number is 98,200 or less.    You have a Pre-war Model 62 Gallery production.  Go to Section Step 2

 

Triangular loading port

Large forearm

d2. Gun has a triangular loading port in the magazine.  There is a larger (10") grooved slide handle.  Serial number is 98,000 or higher.      You have a Model 62 Gallery, post-war production.  The serial number should be between ~98,000 and 409,000 .  Go to Section Step 2

 

Winchester Roll Die Marking

Triangular loading port

e1. Look at the serial Number on the gun.  Determine the model of your gun by the serial number.
     1-98,200 :  You have a pre-war Model 62, number on lower receiver  is followed by an 'A'. .  Go to Section f

 

Early serial number


 e2. 98,200-409,000:  You have a post-war Model 62, number on lower receiver and lower tang between these two values.   Go to Section g

 

Higher serial number


    f1.  Loading port is triangular and pump forearm is < 6" = smaller:  You have a  pre-war Model 62 Gallery gun. Go to Section Step 2
   

Forearm is < 6"

Triangular loading port


    f2.   Loading port is triangular and pump forearm is 10" = larger:  You have a  post-war Model 62 Gallery gun.   Go to Section Step 2

Triangular loading port and larger forearm


    g1.  Loading port is bullet shaped and pump forearm is smaller:  You have a pre-war Model 62, numbers on receiver and lower tang with an 'A'.  Go to Section Step 2
   

forearm is < 6"


    g2.  Loading port is bullet shaped and pump forearm is larger:  You have a post-war Model 62A,  with numbers on receiver and lower tang not containing an 'A'.  Go to Section Step 2
   
   

Large Pump Forearm

 BEFORE GOING TO STEP #2, if you want to check that your Model 62  identification is correct, click on this link OUTLINE OF FEATURES, that provides a brief outline of features associated with each major variation of the Model 62.

 

Continue to Step 2 and the Variations of Models

 


Introduction | I. Models | II. Variations | III. Condition |62 Models (Outline) | Gun Parts Diagram | Home