Winchester Model 65 .218 Bee Lever-Action Rifle, 24 in Round Winchester Proof Steel Barrel, Top Eject, Limited Production
This Winchester Model 65 in .218 Bee stands out for its limited production and classic configuration. It features a 24-inch round Winchester Proof Steel barrel with correct barrel legend, top-eject receiver, and Winchester "WP" oval proofs on both the barrel and receiver ring. Built on an 1892-pattern receiver (tang marked "MODEL 1892") with a noted manufacture year of 1907, it reflects the Model 65’s 1930s–1940s era assembly. The bore is excellent, and only about 5,700 Model 65 rifles were produced, underscoring its scarcity.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The barrel and forend have been replaced with factory Winchester Model 65 components. The stock has been refinished, with extensive cracking present at the toe. There are handling marks and areas of finish loss from prior use.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 65 .218 Bee lever-action rifle
Approximately 5,700 Model 65 rifles were produced, and this example is chambered in .218 Bee with the typical 24-inch round barrel configuration for the caliber. The barrel is Winchester Proof Steel and carries the correct "MODEL 65 — WINCHESTER — 218 BEE" legend.
The receiver is top-eject with a button-length under-barrel tubular magazine and a 5+1 capacity. The tang is marked "MODEL 1892," consistent with Model 65s assembled on 1892-pattern receivers during the 1930s–1940s era; the noted year of manufacture is 1907.
Sighting equipment includes a ramped blade front sight and a barrel-mounted open rear sight with an elevator. Winchester "WP" oval proofs are present on both the barrel and the receiver ring.
The walnut stock is uncheckered and fitted with a steel shotgun-style buttplate, complemented by a steel fore-end cap. Length of pull measures 13.0 inches. The barrel and forend were replaced with factory Winchester Model 65 components, and the stock has been refinished.