Gun Cleaning Kits

Above, Winchester rifle and shotgun cleaning kits. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have about five Hoppe's gun cleaning kits that I have bought over the years. Some are for pistols, rifles and shotguns.  

I've noticed that the newer kits I have purchased have more cheaply made rod end accessories. They have broken while inside gun barrels. Usually, I can get them out of the barrels with a wire clothes hangar (apologies to Joan Crawford). I had one break inside a Winchester Model 62A .22 rifle the other day. I couldn't get it out with a hangar. So, reluctantly, I shot it out. Luckily, the rod end accessory wasn't wedged in. 

I have some Winchester cleaning kits and those are far better made. I bought them in Lake Havasu a couple of years ago as they were on sale. I finished the cleaning job with the Winchester rifle cleaning kit.

In the future, I'll stick with the Winchester kits and just use the Hoppe's gun oil and cleaning solvent. 

Guns Cleaned

Above, the Winchester 94 after I finished cleaning it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I finally got around to cleaning the two rifles I shot with last Friday.

The first to be cleaned was the Winchester 94 .30-30. That went without a hitch.

Then, I cleaned the Winchester 62A .22 cal. That didn't go so smoothly. The rod end came off in the barrel and I tried getting it out with a wire hangar. That didn't work, so I loaded a couple of rounds and the first shot blew the obstruction out. I did this in the front yard. The sound wasn't much as it was a .22. A neighbor was taking a walk on the road in front during this and just grinned and waved. I waved back.

The rifles have been put back in the cabinet all ready for the next shooting session. 

5 Reasons Why Pre-64 Winchesters Still Hold Their Magic

Above, my three pre-1964 Winchesters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to 2019, the only Winchester I owned was a Model 62A .22 cal. pump rifle. I inherited it from my maternal grandfather. It was made in 1947. 

Since then, I have bought two more pre-1964 Winchesters. The first was a 1962 Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle. The second was a Winchester Model 12 shot gun in 12 gauge made in 1919. 

Collectors of vintage Winchesters seek them out as they were manufactured better (in their view). 

MSN posted a slideshow article with 5 reasons why pre-1964 Winchesters still hold their magic. 

They begin it with:

Firearm enthusiasts often speak about the legendary status of older rifles with a sense of reverence and nostalgia. The term pre-64 Winchesters specifically refers to model 70 rifles manufactured before the company changed its production methods in 1964. These vintage pieces represent a high point in American gun making that many believe has never been equaled since that time. Collectors and hunters alike pursue these firearms because they embody a level of industrial art that modern mass production rarely achieves today. Understanding why these specific rifles command such high prices reveals much about the history of manufacturing.

To read more, go here. 

Winchester Model 62a

Winchester Model 62a video by Tex Mex.

Summary: 

Today we take a look at the classic slide-action (pump-action) Winchester Model 62.  The 62 & 62a, also known as the “gallery gun” for its common use in fairs around the country, is a take-down rifle that is able to accept most .22 caliber rimfire cartridges, specifically .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle.  On our range trip we shoot three different 22lr loadings and see how well it does at 50 yards.

I have a Winchester 62A made in 1947 that I inherited from my maternal grandfather. It still shoots great and the last time I took it out to the range was last year. It is one of three Winchesters that I own. I did a thorough cleaning of it the last time I took it out to the range.

 

Three Winchesters

Above, the three Winchesters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I picked up my Winchester Model 1912 (or Model 12) 12 gauge shotgun with a 30 inch barrel. According to its serial number, it was made in 1919. It is definitely a pre-1964 firearm. Although the bluing is pretty much gone, there is no rust and is in good shape for a 105-year-old shotgun. The inside of the barrel looks good. One Winchester enthusiast said, "Never re-blue honest wear on a Winchester."

Now that I have it, I now have three Winchesters. It is a modest collection compared to collectors who have rooms full of them. 

My first Winchester is a Model 62A .22 pump rifle. I inherited it from my grandfather. It was made in 1947. I used it back in the 1980s and it is a fun shooter.

I bought a Winchester 1894 (or Winchester 94) .30-30 lever-action carbine five years ago. I have been wanting to buy one and came across it in an Albuquerque gun store while browsing around. It was made in 1962. I put it on layaway as I was to fly to Florida the next day for a cruise to Cuba. I picked it up when I got back.

Unless I stumble across something I can't refuse, I think this is it for buying more Winchesters for me. I have been thinking about getting another revolver. We'll see.

Winchester 62A Pump Action Rifle

Above, my grandfather's Winchester 62A pump action rifle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before I bought my Ruger 10/22 rifle, I primarily did target-shooting with my maternal grandfather's Winchester 62A .22 pump action rifle in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The 62A is known as a gallery gun that took .22 short, .22 long and .22 long rifle cartridges. When I shot with it, I used .22 long rifle cartridges.

Based on the rifle's serial number, it was made in 1947. 

It is a good firing gun. The video below will show how easy and quick one can shoot with it. The next time we go shooting (most likely in the spring), I will bring it along.