Winchester Model 69

History

In . 1934, Frank Burton founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company's 22. After the necessary testing phase, the rifle went into mass production in 1935 and continued until 1963, with more than 355,000 examples completed.

Known as the "Type 69," the purpose was to support the company's profits after the failure of the Type 56 and 57 guns to be delivered.

The Model 69 is designed for small .22 long rifle, .22 long and .22 short rimfire cartridges, operated via an operator managed bolt action system. Feeds from a 5- or 10-round detachable magazine or a single-round adapter. The overall look of the rifle is very traditional, with a one-piece wooden stock and inlaid metal parts.

The front end is curved and smooth, some distance from the muzzle. As usual, the bolt action lever is on the right side of the receiver. The trigger group is hung under the grip. A telescopic sight can be mounted above the receiver for long range work.

Iron sights (front and rear) are standard equipment.

In early 1937, the related Type 697 was introduced as an offshoot of the Type 69. This model lacked an open vision and proved to be unsuitable for market needs. It was abandoned in 1941.

In late 1937, the Type 69A came online as an improved version of the Type 69, this version had an improved bolt, safety and barrel assembly. The trigger is now adjustable, and exact match and target models are available for the next year.

The Model 69 has been used only as a hunting/sporting rifle, but with limited service during World War II (1939-1945). It was minted as a weapon for the British Home Guard and used for training for a period of time. After the fall of France in June 1940, Britain was alone against the power of the German war machine and an invasion of Britain was imminent. While the Type 69 had no real military value, it did provide a valuable training experience and act as an important psychological tool when all hope seemed to be lost. In addition to scopes and shoulder straps, some come with tactical accessories such as silencers and ammo pouches.

Fortunately for the Home Guard, the invasion of Britain never happened and the guns were never used on the front lines.

A total of approximately 355,363 Model 69 rifles were delivered.

Specification

Basic

Years of Service

1935

Origins

United States

Categories

Bolt Action Hunting/Sporting Rifle

Manufacturer

Winchester Repeating Arms Company - USA

Operator

UK; US

Roles

Accuracy/Precision

Long-range accuracy/accuracy capability; good for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,080 mm

42. 52 inches

Barrel length

610mm

02/24 at

Cured weight

6.83 lbs

3. 10 kg

Attractions

Front and rear irons; optical support.

Action

Manual repeat system

Bolt Action

The process of manually operating the control bolt lever to eject the spent cartridge, releasing the bolt and inserting a new cartridge into the chamber.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

. 22 long rifle; .22 long, .22 short side fire

Circle/Feed

Single shot (adapter); detachable magazine with 5 or 10 rounds.

Performance

Rate of fire

5

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

1,300 ft/sec

(396 m/sec)

VARIANTS

Model 69 - Base Production Model of 1935. Model 69A - Improved production model with many reworked / revised components. Model 697 - Alternative production model lacking the open sights.