Winchester 68

[Sir Henry]

I ran across one today and almost bought it. It was well taken care of but the bore indicated it had been shot a lot. At $365 it was overpriced too. Still I may go back and buy it.

[North Country Gal]

Gene, make sure that what you are seeing in the bore is not lead buildup. A leaded up barrel will appear to have the rifling worn out, but unless we are talking match grade competition barrels where matches are won or lost by tiny fractions of an inch, it's almost impossible to wear out a rimfire barrel by shooting.

For example, I bought a Model 67 that was used by a local Boy Scout camp and had who knows how many thousands and thousands of rounds through it. I spent hours and hours with a good cleaning brush pulling lead out of that bore. Got it done, though, and the bore looked pretty good. Gun shoots great. Still have it.

The 68 is considered a touch more collectible than the 67, but it's basically it's a 67 with a factory supplied peep sight in the dovetail instead of the open sight on the 67. It's no receiver Redfield or Lyman peep, but it's more adjustable than the basic open sight on the 67. If that factory peep is missing, though, it seriously reduces the value.

As for that price, $365 is not over-priced IF the gun is in mint condition and especially if it's an earlier finger groove. The few nice 68s I've encountered run closer to $300 with a really nice 67 now bringing about $250. Anyway, might pay to have another look and see if they'll negotiate on the price.

[Sir Henry]

It was the peep that really drew me to it. I may go back tomorrow.

[Sir Henry]

I couldn’t wait and drove back today. I got it for $300 even plus tax. No fingergroove but it does have the later chrome bolt. The feds are making me wait.

[North Country Gal]

Great! Can't wait to see your report on it.

[BrokenolMarine]

Congratulations. You might have been really disappointed if you waited and it was gone the next day.