Winchester 75

[CSM14thBN]

I just picked up a WIN 75 from a guy at work. The problem is I cant find a serial number anywhere on the gun. It has a scope mounted on the top and I took the mount off but cant find any numbers anywhere. I'll try and post some pics tomorrow.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Fick_2141]

Firearms made before the GCA of 1965 are not required to have SN. I have a Marlin Model 80 that has no SN. It was made before the adoption of the microgroove barrels. I have no way to tell the date of manufacture.The Win 75's are great rifles. I'm sure there are some very knowledgable people here that can tell you anything you need to know.

[n64atlas]

As far as i know, all Winchester rifles had serial numbers. Look on the side of the receiver for a number. It may have a low number thus you may have over looked it. If it has been removed, then you have a problem. Look for grind marks or heavy polishing on the front side of the receiver.

[MK111]

The serial number should be on the reciever as n64atlas said. the GCA law was in 1968. Firearms before that date were not required to have a serial numbers.But many Mfg. did put the serial number on like Winchester did.

[CSM14thBN]

I took the receiver out of the stock and still cant see any numbers? There is the circled WP on the top front of the receiver and a circled P on the side of the barrel. No sign of any milling marks or where something was removed. The only other markings is the numbers 49 under the barrel near the receiver and the letters CA stamped on the flat of the ejection port and the barrel indexing mark on the right side.

What were the barrel lenghts on the WIN 75's? All the rifles I am pulling up on the internet have a 28" barrel mine only has a 20" and no front sight?

[n64atlas]

The barrel is original and made in 1949. It has been shortened by someone. That puts it too late to be a one or two digit serial number. A 1949 rifle should have a serial number if 55862-68600.

[JimF in CT]

I'm wondering if someone mated the "shortened to 20", M75 barrel" to a M69 receiver that was made WITHOUT serial numbers??? --Jim

[n64atlas]

Or he may have a Target or Match version of the 69/69A/697 with a shortened barrel

[JimF in CT]

mmmmm-- I was thinking that the "Model 75" stamping on the shortened, 20" barrel, was leading him to believe he has a Model 75, when he actually may have a cobbled-up rifle, with a receiver that started out as a Model 69 series (probably a 69A). --Jim

[CSM14thBN]

Jim,
I think you may be on to something with the "cobbled up rifle" I looked at pics of 69's and the receiver looks like that. The serial number has not been removed as I would be able to see the grinding or milling and would see a difference in that part of the receiver than the rest. The barrel is marked Winchester model 75 and that is why I assumed that's what the rifle was when I bought it.

I originally picked this up as I thought it was a nice rifle to teach my scouts to shoot. It still may be fine for that but at least now I know its not an original model 75