1966 was the Winchester Repeating Arms Company’s 100th year of operation. To commemorate this occasion, Winchester produced the model 66 The point to all of the gold and brass was to make the 1966 Centennial reminiscent of the brass framed Winchester 1866 “Yellow Boy” rifle that was Winchester’s first product. The model 66 was produced with a gold-plated receiver and for end cap, brass “rifle” (curved) buttplate, saddle ring, and a heavy octagon barrel with a full length magazine that was nicely polished and deeply blued. The straight hand stock was select walnut. All were in caliber .30-30 Winchester.
This rifle is a carbine with a barrel length of 20”.
The Centennial ’66 rifles and carbines generally showed a high order of fit and finish. The receiver was 24 carat gold plated inside and out, so they were pretty with the action open, too. Here are the basic specifications of the Centennial ’66 Rifle:
- Caliber – .30-30 Winchester
- Magazine capacity – 8 cartridges
- Barrel – 20 inch octagon
- Twist – 1 in 12 inches
- Sights – Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and blade front; tapped for receiver sights
- Length of pull – 13 1/8 inches
- Drop at comp – 2 inches
- Drop at heel – 2 3/4 inches
- Weight – 8 pounds
