Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Late 60s Winchester returns

Im hoping to find someone who may know how Winchester customer service operated in 1964 to about 1970.

Merz has a Model 70 that has a 1967 serial number with a G prefix; The G looks like a later addition.
https://www.merzantiques.com/product/w2655-winchester-model-70-bolt-action-target-rifle/

The G prefix doesn't appear until 1969 per the Winchester DOM FAQ section, which has been my "loose reference".
https://www.winchesterguns.com/support/faq/date-your-firearm.html

1967 833795-869000
1968 869001-928908
1969 prefix starts at G941900. What happened to the rifles between 928909 and G941899...who knows but thats not part of this question.

Could the rifle have sat around long enough to warrant stamping a G prefix when it was finally released or could it have been sent back for work and a G put on it then...maybe in 1969 before a standard for returns was finalized? There are numerous examples of non prefix model 70s with higher numbers than the one Merz has for sale. The earliest i have seen a G prefix is on a 1965. Yes, i look for this odd stuff.

Just wondering.

Finally, Im certain im not confusing the early 1990s CRF serial range. This question is strictly for the late 60s serial range.

Chip

I would say that since it was a clip slotted target model, it probably was held back a while and then the G added when it went out the door.

Up way late dealing with 'stuff',. Short comment now, wider re SN matter later. Winchester historically applied serialization early on to their Model 70 receivers. As the '68 Gun Control Act was rolling around, Winchester applied for and received a deferment as so many unfitted up serialized receivers lacked the "G" prefix... Anyway the story I heard. That would belay the theory advanced here and moreover, cause a minor further non-sequitur in serialization. Don't think that would happen! Back if/when opportunity! I do concur with the comment concerning unusual, low production models often not fitting the 'mold'.
Best & Happy New Year!
John