I have admired 64's for a long time. They are an example of just how good a factory could build something. Most were built during the Depression, and I suspect only Winchester's best craftsmen remained on the payroll. For many, 64's seem to point themselves, they're just easy to shoot.
For those that haven't used a 30-30, it is way to easy to underestimate its capabilities. Out of a good rifle, like a 64, it will surprise you how effective it can be, on big game, out to 200 yards, maybe a little further. A century ago, it was considered a long range wonder. Unlike a 65, ammo cost is minimal.
Me too. Back a very long time ago (late 1961) I was stationed in Las Vegas and would cruise the local gun and pawn shops looking for something I could afford on my air force pay. One pawn shop had two rifles I would have bought in a flash if I'd had the cash. One was a Winchester M73 in .22 either short or long, I forget which. The other was a Winchester M64 and that one I wanted so bad I could taste it. I've had M94s well before I went into service and while they always felt good, there was no comparison the the way that M64 felt in my hands.
Fast forward to a few years ago, I found an M64 made in 1938, the year I was born. It looked a bit rough with wood very dark and lots of signs of having been used hard. It was the Deluxe model in 30-30. I bought it. The bore was still nice and shiny and when I took it out and shot it it proved to be as accurate as my old eye can do these days. About a years after that I found another one, this a standard model also in 30-30 but looking much better than the 1938 rifle. I'd have to double check but IIRC the serial number places t in 1957 which again IIRC was the last year Winchester made that rifle.
Winchester did more or less bring it back as a post 64 gun but it just did not have the charisma for the the originals have. One, they didn't even get the stock right. FWIW, the stocks for the M64 and M71 were designed by Col. T. Whelen, or so I've heard. I do think about kicking myself every once in a while. I was offered a chance to pick up an M64 in .219 Zipper for $200 and didn't do it. I didn't realize how collectible that one was.
Paul B.
