Winchester 62A with tapped barrel for scope ???

[ARFrog]

I am looking at a 1940-ish Win 62A that has had the barrel tapped for addition of a 1950s style Weaver scope. I am aware of the relative devaluation of a tapped receiver but have never run across the barrel being tapped in front of the receiver.

Is this a similar 1/2 to 2/3 deduct - something less - or????

The rifle is in average to good shape with good wood, a little blueing loss on the top of the barrel, good action, non factory rear sight and a clear Weaver scope.

I would guess it would be a good shooter but not an heirloom.

Any thoughts or comments?

[TRAP55]

The only ones I've seen scoped were with a side mount on the receiver, and the factory didn't scope them as far as I know. I'm trying to picture what you're describing, a Weaver rail on the barrel for a LER scope? Got pics?

[ARFrog]

I do not have any pictures of the rifle I am looking at yet.

However, the ones with receiver scope mounts that I am familiar with are tapped into the side of the receiver like:

receiver scope.jpg

And the one I am looking at has holes tapped into the barrel (I think 4) ahead of the receiver to allow for mounting like this:

barrel scope.jpg

I am assuming this does not weaken the barrel????????? Given that it has survived since most likely the 1950s with the modification.

I am thinking the $475 - $600 range ?????

[ARFrog]

Came across the following really interesting article on Winchester having factory scoped options during the 1937 - 1941 time frame. (Note: the above examples in posts #3 are not examples of this if you look at the mounting posts and type of scope). If you are into Winchester history, here is the article:

http://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Winchester-factory-scoped-22-caliber-rifles-1937-to-1941-B093_Rausch.pdf

Additionally, I saw an example of the "Home Guard" British lend lease scoped option, as mentioned in the above article, on a Win 62A in the following sale listing from 11/2017. (Note the interesting proof marks in the photos)

https://www.cowanauctions.com/lot/factory-scoped-winchester-model-62a-rifle-british-proved-3084018

[TRAP55]

I knew of all those factory models that were scoped except the 62s. On that 62 you're looking at, are the tapped holes spaced/placed like the one on the Brit visitor? If it is, you find the mounts, I got the scope.

[ARFrog]

I knew of all those factory models that were scoped except the 62s. On that 62 you're looking at, are the tapped holes spaced/placed like the one on the Brit visitor? If it is, you find the mounts, I got the scope.

No, they are further back like the second picture in post #3. There are two tapped holes in the side of the barrel just in front of the end of the receiver and another two just behind where the 32B rear sight would be. A plate is attached to the tapped holes and the scope rings are then attached to the plate. I just got a quick look but I think the rifle has an old Weaver El Paso scope.

I wish it did have mounts like the British picture. They seem to be more esthetically appealing - at least to me.

(PS - thanks for the scope offer.)

(PS2 -I liked your 1.75 X 5 Redfield Widefield so much I had to pick up the same thing in 3 X 9. Only problem is now I have to find a rifle to put it on. LOL)