Firearms made prior to 1905 that have the “WP” proof mark stamped on the receiver and barrel signifies the Winchester repair shop performed work to the barrel, receiver, or other internal part.(in addition to verification by other barrel markings) Firearms having no “WP” proof on the receiver but have affixed barrels with “WP” proof mark, in addition to the “Oval P” would signify that while it is an older receiver, the barrel was replaced after 1905 by someone outside the Winchester repair shop.Barrels affixed to receivers have the “Oval P” proof if the barrel was made prior to 1905 and destined for fitting by someone other than Winchester (mail order).I tried to list the varying scenarios for its occurrence or what may be encountered (Im sure I missed a few), to which I greatly welcome comment.įor firearms made prior to 1905 (or the time standardized application of the “WP” proof on barrels/receivers first appears): Since there has been a lot of discussion regarding “WP” and “Oval P” markings and it’s a little confusing, at least to me. Then why the addition of the “WP”-I admit I am no history buff, just curious regarding the reasoning for the “WP”. Were assembled receivers and barrels proved as a unit (to receive the “WP”), or were barrels proved using a test receiver? If tested as an assembled receiver & barrel, I could understand stamping both at the same time, but at what point is the proof applied, subsequent to the final steel polishing but prior to the bluing?Īt what point was the “Circle VP” for “Viewed Proved” stamp applied to the underside of the barrel–following the heavy load testing, the “VP” being applied after the visual inspection of the barrel? The “VP” is found on every 18 barrel I have seen from the start to the end of production, bridging the date for the appearance of the “WP”. Or is there more to it?Īs I have read, the barrels began to receive the “WP” at around 1905, and then by 1908 both the receiver and barrel were stamped with the “WP”. The definitive proof meant that the firearm was so marked subsequent to its passing tests utilizing a heavy proof load-Winchester’s system of expressing that the barrel or receiver met the existing standard. Im trying to iron out in my mind a few things regarding the proof markings after reading the post regarding the 1892 with the “Oval P” marked receiver, and other forum discussions on this topic.Īfter 1905, Winchester began stamping barrels, and then receivers, with the “WP” Winchester definitive proof.
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