Winchester Model 72

Winchester introduced the Model 72 in the Spring of 1938, it was essentially like the earlier Model 69 except for a higher capacity tubular magazine that extended beneath the barrel rather than the box magazine of the Model 69. It was calibered for .22 short, long and LR Rimfire.  Winchester manufactured the Model 72 from 1938 to 1942 when production was discontinued so manufacturing efforts could be directed towards wartime needs. Production was started up again after the war and it carried on until 1959 when the model was discontinued. Standard Model 72 rifles came equipped with a rear peep sight, rifles could also be obtained with open or 'sporting' sights. Winchester's designation for the sporting sight rifles was 72A. Total Model 72 / 72A production reached 161400 rifles.