Winchester M72 bolt handle

[OldSchool]

(I couldn't tell if this belongs in the buy and sell forum.)

Anyone have an idea where to find this?

We need to find a handle for the bolt for a Winchester model 72. I know it is in the "obsolete" category, but I was given the gun as a kid, and the people who moved us down here were less than careful, I guess, and we never did find the broken-off handle. We now know more about how to work on firearms, but this item has since become hard for us to find.

We could certainly pop for the whole bolt.

Thanks!

[The Annoyed Man]

I tried to google it for you, and you're right, the availability of parts is next to nill. I did find one reference of a Model 72 for sale at auction in Minnesota, but what was significant was the description:

HERE IS THAT WINCHESTER THAT WILL BE GREAT TO START A YOUNG CHILD ON HIS OR HER SHOOTING EXPERIENCE.THIS IS NO COLLECTOR IT HAS BEEN WELL USED.THE BOLT HANDLE WAS BROKEN AND RE WELDED.AND THE TOE OF THE STOCK WAS BROKEN AND REPAIRED PHOTOS SHOW THE REPAIR GREAT REPAIR.REAR SIGHT ELEVATOR IS GONE EASY FIND.BORE IS SUPER SHINEY IT'S JUST A SUPER NICE PLINKER.NO CALIFORNIA SALES.THIS ITEM SOLD AS IS .

That auction was from March, by the way, and is closed. But from both the auction description and the complete lack of availability for that part, it would seem that busted bolt handles on Model 72s was not uncommon. My suggestion would be to take it to a gunsmith and see if he can't weld on a bolt handle of appropriate size and shape. If you don't mind that it's not a factory original part, then at least the rifle would be returned to serviceability.

I found this picture of a Model 72 bolt from a Model 72 at auction on gunbroker.com, with a "Buy Now" price of $1,250.00 (!). I guess they are pretty collectible.

[jimlongley]

Try: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Carry-a-Kimber]

This might help. http://www.winchesterguns.com/customers ... earm=0053S" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Sidro]

Try Lee's gun parts in Irving, Texas. 972-790-0773

[OldSchool]

Thanks, all! We'll start working on your suggestions straight away!

[The Annoyed Man]

Try: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I already tried them when I did the above search. For the Model 72 and 72A, all they have are the schematics.

[OldSchool]

Ditto... we looked at these websites yesterday with no joy. Did send them some emails, though.

Looks as if we're down to trying gunshops who can do some looking for us. The Arms Room tried a while back, but no luck. We'll call Lee's tomorrow. I'll take recommendations of any others who are good at finding odd parts.

TAM, thanks for finding that posting -- I'm wondering if Winchester had some temporary problem with crystallized handle sleeves (there's none of the handle left, it just broke completely out of the sleeve). The handle replacement with a similar one is a good idea (and the best one for the time being), since we're hot rodders from 'way back, but I haven't a clue as to what would be close.

[fannypacker]

My first rifle as a kid was a Model 72 with the peep sight. Like a fool I traded it for a revolver plus cash. I have tried to replace it but they are collectors guns now and clean ones are very expensive and scarce. Used it to keep crows out of Grandparents garden. Legal to shoot crows back then.

[OldSchool]

I was 12 when my parents gave me the Winnie. It had a lot of use on the 100yd range I set up on our place, a small box at a time (thousands of rounds -- guess what my allowance went for...). Turns out now that it taught me well. A little beat up, but should work fine (it's been many years since last used). It should be great for DynaBlue to improve with!