Calling all Winchester experts!

[LawrenceN]

Here's the story, I've come into possession of a Winchester Mod.68 purchased in 1916 by my buddy's grandad. It does need some TLC which I'll get to this weekend, but aside from some storage dust and a little light rust here and there, it's in pretty good shape. I may even take off the varnish, which I doubt is factory original, and just do a good oil finish. Here's the part where I need some feedback from those in the know. Firstly, what's the market value of this rifle, and secondly, who has ever seen a rear sight like this one? It's an adjustable peep with a wheel for elevation and a graduated tongue for windage. There's no makers name, just "USA pat. pending", so I don't know if it was a special option from Winchester, or an after-market additon by the original owner.

 

[TokarevNutz]

Peep sight model 68

From i can see,your peep sight is all original and hasnt been messed up with.The finnish,not so sure.

More detailed photo's would be nice cause this is a great
winchester

 

[BEARMAN]

The rear sight appears to be a Dockendorff peep sight. Do a search of "Dockendorff peep sights" it seems to be a popular sight back then. Some companies used the Dockendorff sight , others may have made a Dockendorff STYLE sight that was similar in design. But with a name or style of sight you may be able to find out if it was an sight option from the factory. I have seen quite a few .22 rifles made by Wincester that have had a varnish finish, if it was factory or just the easiest available home stock finish, I can't say.

 

[Eagleye]

I have had several of those M68 Single shot Winchesters, and they all have that same "peep" sight on the rear. The M67 was identical in every way, except it had open sights. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Fassteel]

Purchase date

L N your dating is incorrect for this rifle as they weren't manufactured until sometime in the 30's, still a nice old rifle. And this is the factory sight that came with these models. Your front sight might be an after market item? the varnish that is on this gun isn't original. i have a couple of 68's and several model67's, fun to shoot, very accurate, and economical to use as you tend to aim more carefully with a single shot. FS

 

[tonyg]

Dumb question , but isn't that peep a little too far from your eye to be effective ? My mossy has one but it is right at the rear of the reciever , same on my sharps.....

back to topic , sorry ......

 

[LawrenceN]

To all of you Eagleye, Bearman, Tonyg, Fassteel & TokarevNutz, thank you muchly for your input. Fassteel, you're correct in the dates. It just goes to show the problems with anecdotal family history. Really proves why documentation can be so vital to future generations. Tonyg, the peep gives wonderful resolution....you have to bear in mind that it all depends on the size of the aperture (See! Size DOES matter!). I'm sure the stock finish was appplied by someone with the best intentions, but I now know the finish is not original, so I have no qualms about stripping it and going back to a nice rubbed oil finish. BTW, I also have the successor to this model in excellent condition (see pics). Now the other question... do any of you gentlemen know the market value of these (either or both). They're both model 68, but the upper one is obviously a later varient. Other than the sling swivels, it truly is in remarkable shape, given it's age.

 

[winchester]

Model 68 Winchesters

As a matter of interest the 68 also ca,e in a smooth bore with a shotgun bead front sight only and also in 22WRF. There was also a 68a and 68b. the 68b was a boys gun. All together they make a nice afforable small collection.

To all of you Eagleye, Bearman, Tonyg, Fassteel & TokarevNutz, thank you muchly for your input. Fassteel, you're correct in the dates. It just goes to show the problems with anecdotal family history. Really proves why documentation can be so vital to future generations. Tonyg, the peep gives wonderful resolution....you have to bear in mind that it all depends on the size of the aperture (See! Size DOES matter!). I'm sure the stock finish was appplied by someone with the best intentions, but I now know the finish is not original, so I have no qualms about stripping it and going back to a nice rubbed oil finish. BTW, I also have the successor to this model in excellent condition (see pics). Now the other question... do any of you gentlemen know the market value of these (either or both). They're both model 68, but the upper one is obviously a later varient. Other than the sling swivels, it truly is in remarkable shape, given it's age.

 

[jimbubba]

MMM niiice!!

Nice Model 68.

I just purchased a very handsome Model 67 from Lever for $135.L,S,LR.It has a Lyman peep sight ,perhaps not original.Bolt action,single shot,cocking is performed by pulling back the tail piece,the bolt only loads and extracts/ejects.Beautifully done checkering,very nice finish.

Anybody know why it has a small cross pin through the stock near the receiver?

I am intersted in the history,do any of the regulars know about dates of manufacture etc?

 

[LawrenceN]

Nice Model 68.

I just purchased a very handsome Model 67 from Lever for $135.L,S,LR.It has a Lyman peep sight ,perhaps not original.Bolt action,single shot,cocking is performed by pulling back the tail piece,the bolt only loads and extracts/ejects.Beautifully done checkering,very nice finish.

Anybody know why it has a small cross pin through the stock near the receiver?

I am intersted in the history,do any of the regulars know about dates of manufacture etc?

If you do a google search on Winchester, you should find some good info on the rifle and dates of manufacture. I believe the trigger hangs off the pin that goes through the stock, but pulling the rifle apart for a cleaning should verify that.