Civilian sporting guns turned Military / LE

[Horilka]

The British issued the Winchester model 74 for clandestine use . Finding a 74 is easy ,finding a 74 that was issued by the British , that would be difficult .

Did not know about this model existence at all TBH.

"A little-known bit of history of the rifle is that perhaps 600 went over to England as “Lend-Lease” guns, many of which the British fitted with Parker-Hale “sound moderators”—suppressors—and scopes. (A number of Lend-Lease Winchester Model 69A bolt-action .22s were similarly borrowed-leased and suppressed by the British)."

From - https://www.ssusa.org/content/the-clandestine-british-service-of-winchester-s-model-74/

 

[anglia2]

Did not know about this model existence at all TBH.

"A little-known bit of history of the rifle is that perhaps 600 went over to England as “Lend-Lease” guns, many of which the British fitted with Parker-Hale “sound moderators”—suppressors—and scopes. (A number of Lend-Lease Winchester Model 69A bolt-action .22s were similarly borrowed-leased and suppressed by the British)."

From - https://www.ssusa.org/content/the-clandestine-british-service-of-winchester-s-model-74/

Yes , an obscure , and interesting , bit of military history . Luckily for Britain , they were never used for their intended purpose of being used to kill invading German soldiers . I handled one in the late 1970s when at the Royal Small Arms Enfield Lock .

 

[kirbodog]

Good day gentlemen ! I actually have what I believe to be an example of a British accepted Winchester Model 74. Build date is 1941 per the serial number and she wears three British Proof / Acceptance stamps on the right side of the barrel just under the rear sight. As I understand it the Brits were buying up any of these they could get their hands on including different 22 chamberings ( Short , long , long rifle). This one was built as a 22 Short but was reamed out and stamped " LONG" under the factory " SHORT" on the barrel. I assume this would have been so they could standardize ammunition supply. She actually cycles and shoots very well. Neat piece of history !

 

[Horilka]

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

I had a m. 74. Great little rifle. Felt good in the hands, was reliable with standard velocity 22 LR and was more accurate than I.

Sorry I sold it. Been watching the auctions hoping to find one no one else wants.

 

[slug]

My offerings:
A brace of Remington 14 & 1/2's with the D/C marks, and a Long Lee .303 sold by Joseph Bourne & Sons, London,
With the N for Navy mark.