Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this vintage bolt-action rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Winchester Model 69A!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 69A
Serial: No Serial Number
Date of Manufacture: Pre-68
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 69A is a bolt-action .22-caliber rimfire rifle introduced by Winchester in 1937 as an improved version of the earlier Model 69. Winchester had first released the Model 69 in 1935, but after a couple of years made several important mechanical and ergonomic modifications—these include changing the bolt to cock on opening instead of on closing, adding a sliding safety lever on the right side of the receiver (replacing the prior rear “cocking knob” that also functioned as safety), eliminating the prominent rear cocking piece, and switching to a barrel contour with constant round diameter (versus the earlier tapered design). These changes slightly increased the rifle’s weight but improved the shooter’s experience—less snag-prone, more convenient to operate safely, and more in line with what users expected in bolt actions. It retained features like a 25-inch barrel, a walnut stock with a pistol grip, detachable box magazine (standard five rounds), and takedown capability for easy transport. The trigger mechanism on the 69A also introduced a user-accessible internal adjustment screw so that trigger pull weight could be tuned somewhat. Production of the Model 69/69A continued until 1963, with total output in the ballpark of 350,000+ units. In terms of performance and historical significance, the 69A occupies a middle ground: much higher quality and capability than inexpensive single-shot .22 rifles of its time, but not quite at the level of precision target rifles such as Winchester’s own Model 52. For hunters, backyard shooters, and youth marksmen, it offered a solid blend of accuracy, reliability, and relatively low cost. The 69A’s bolt design (cocking on opening) gave a quicker lock-time feel and arguably a safer operation (the safety lever is easier to manipulate than the older rear knob), so for many shooters, it felt more modern. On the flip side, because it was chambered to accept .22 Short, Long, and .22 Long Rifle, its barrel and chamber rifling were something of a compromise—while plenty accurate, it was not as optimized for .22 LR match work as rifles dedicated to just that. Also, the sights were fairly modest in the standard configuration (open rear “buckhorn” type or blade-front) unless one ordered a “Target” or “Match” version with upgraded peep rear sights and hooded front posts. Finally, later variants made some cosmetic or minor mechanical tweaks (swept bolt handle, trigger changes, scope grooves), but fundamentally the rifle remains a great example of mid-20th-century rimfire design: well built, serviceable, and nowadays prized by collectors and shooters alike for its classic function and clean lines.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 69A
Serial: No Serial Number
Date of Manufacture: Pre-68
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Stock
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 69A is a bolt-action .22-caliber rimfire rifle introduced by Winchester in 1937 as an improved version of the earlier Model 69. Winchester had first released the Model 69 in 1935, but after a couple of years made several important mechanical and ergonomic modifications—these include changing the bolt to cock on opening instead of on closing, adding a sliding safety lever on the right side of the receiver (replacing the prior rear “cocking knob” that also functioned as safety), eliminating the prominent rear cocking piece, and switching to a barrel contour with constant round diameter (versus the earlier tapered design). These changes slightly increased the rifle’s weight but improved the shooter’s experience—less snag-prone, more convenient to operate safely, and more in line with what users expected in bolt actions. It retained features like a 25-inch barrel, a walnut stock with a pistol grip, detachable box magazine (standard five rounds), and takedown capability for easy transport. The trigger mechanism on the 69A also introduced a user-accessible internal adjustment screw so that trigger pull weight could be tuned somewhat. Production of the Model 69/69A continued until 1963, with total output in the ballpark of 350,000+ units. In terms of performance and historical significance, the 69A occupies a middle ground: much higher quality and capability than inexpensive single-shot .22 rifles of its time, but not quite at the level of precision target rifles such as Winchester’s own Model 52. For hunters, backyard shooters, and youth marksmen, it offered a solid blend of accuracy, reliability, and relatively low cost. The 69A’s bolt design (cocking on opening) gave a quicker lock-time feel and arguably a safer operation (the safety lever is easier to manipulate than the older rear knob), so for many shooters, it felt more modern. On the flip side, because it was chambered to accept .22 Short, Long, and .22 Long Rifle, its barrel and chamber rifling were something of a compromise—while plenty accurate, it was not as optimized for .22 LR match work as rifles dedicated to just that. Also, the sights were fairly modest in the standard configuration (open rear “buckhorn” type or blade-front) unless one ordered a “Target” or “Match” version with upgraded peep rear sights and hooded front posts. Finally, later variants made some cosmetic or minor mechanical tweaks (swept bolt handle, trigger changes, scope grooves), but fundamentally the rifle remains a great example of mid-20th-century rimfire design: well built, serviceable, and nowadays prized by collectors and shooters alike for its classic function and clean lines.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
