Just put a Winchester 72A in Jail

[offrdmania]

I just put a nice 72A in jail yesterday. It looks to be in +90% condition from the consignment rack and priced to move quick. The owner didnt know much about its origin and said he put very few rounds through it. I took a chance on it. Im excited to play around with it once I pick it up next week.

Since the 72A doesnt have a serial number from the factory, how do people determine its year of origin? and are there any preferred mods for these great little plinkers?

[rromeo]

I loved mine. I unwisely got rid of it several years ago.
As far as dating, I believe there are subtle differences that can get you close, but not more than a particular decade.
If the trigger is serrated, then I believe that was 1952 or later.
No mods, just shoot and enjoy.

[offrdmania]

I loved mine. I unwisely got rid of it several years ago.
As far as dating, I believe there are subtle differences that can get you close, but not more than a particular decade.
If the trigger is serrated, then I believe that was 1952 or later.
No mods, just shoot and enjoy.

Good to know, thanks. I dont remember about the trigger since I only fondled it for a short bit but ill check it out once its in my hands next week.

[M76]

https://guns.fandom.com/wiki/Winchester_Model_72

[Sir Toast]

Congrats OP.

[offrdmania]

Anyone know of a readily available rear peep sight for the 72 that replaces that tang rear sight? I see a 96A peep sight in some old forum posts but trying to track one down is near impossible. I also see the matching front sight as a 97A. Anyone know of anywhere selling old stock of these sights?

[TRAP55]

Factory rear receiver sight options for the Model 72:
Winchester No. 80A
Redfield No. 70C
Round receiver:
Lyman No. 57EW
Lyman No. 60WEH
Flat receiver:
Lyman No. 57EF

[offrdmania]

Factory rear receiver sight options for the Model 72:
Winchester No. 80A
Redfield No. 70C
Round receiver:
Lyman No. 57EW
Lyman No. 60WEH
Flat receiver:
Lyman No. 57EF

My problem is that my receiver isnt tapped on the side for a receiver mounted peep sight as you posted above. I was looking at the 96A peep sight from an earlier model rifle because it replaces the barrel mounted tang rear sight and the 97A front sight is a hooded sight which I dont see as an option on the 72 even though the dovetail in the barrel is the same as the earlier model barrels.

[TRAP55]

Is your front receiver ring tapped for a mount?
If it is, it came from the factory with a Winchester No. 5 or No. 3 scope. If that's what it is, made between 1938 and 1941, kinda rare too. Some had no sights, and some had the scope and a 32B rear sight. I'd have to look, but I think the 97A was pretty much standard on the front, unless you had the Redfield receiver sight.
Post some pics when you get it out of jail!

[offrdmania]

Is your front receiver ring tapped for a mount?
If it is, it came from the factory with a Winchester No. 5 or No. 3 scope. If that's what it is, made between 1938 and 1941, kinda rare too. Some had no sights, and some had the scope and a 32B rear sight. I'd have to look, but I think the 97A was pretty much standard on the front, unless you had the Redfield receiver sight.
Post some pics when you get it out of jail!

Mine is not tapped anywhere on the receiver. It only has the standard tang style rear sight mounted on the rear of the barrel and standard unhooded front sight. It is a pretty long eye relief but im guessing thats all thats needed with an open top sight

I only handled the rifle for a few minutes while I was doing paperwork so everything is from memory. I may run by an snap some shots of the rifle while its in jail so that I can get a head start on ordering sights.

[TRAP55]

It only has the standard tang style rear sight mounted on the rear of the barrel

Rear of the barrel or receiver?
I'm recovering from a bad case of Ba.5 Covid, the fatigue and brain fog is kicking my butt! Just dawned on me that it's a 72 "A", if the barrel is marked 72A, the receiver should be grooved for scope mounts.

[offrdmania]

Rear of the barrel or receiver?
I'm recovering from a bad case of Ba.5 Covid, the fatigue and brain fog is kicking my butt! Just dawned on me that it's a 72 "A", if the barrel is marked 72A, the receiver should be grooved for scope mounts.

It is a 72A and is grooved for scope mounts. I wanted to stick to irons and upgrade the standard open sights but it looks like it may be much more work than I want to do. I dont think I want to put a new scope on it and possibly want to go vintage original. Do you happen to know which scope mounts mount to the grooves and were there factory Winchester mounts? If so, was there a preferred scope from the era that fit said mounts??

[TRAP55]

I'm not sure on the 72A with the grooves, but most that I've seen had Weaver mounts and J4 or D6 scopes. Either one would be period correct.

[offrdmania]

I'm not sure on the 72A with the grooves, but most that I've seen had Weaver mounts and J4 or D6 scopes. Either one would be period correct.

My LGS had a used J4 with Weaver clamp mounts for $30 so im going to try it out

[offrdmania]

Here it is in all of its glory. I love this thing. So much fun! And, we figured out that it was made in 1954.

Oh, and another LGS near me had a standard model 72 with target peep sights which I just got put in jail and is coming home early next week. Am I crazy to buy two in less than 3 weeks? hehe