Winchester Model 59 Win-Lite – 12 Ga. 2-3/4" – Improved Cylinder – Rare Final Year Mfg. (1965)

DescriptionUp for sale is an incredibly unique and technologically historic piece of American firearms history: a Winchester Model 59 semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 Gauge (2-3/4" Chamber).What makes this particular shotgun highly prized by collectors is its serial number: 82967. Standard collector reference charts estimate that final factory assembly wrapped up right around 82,085 units. This serial number indicates that this gun was built at the absolute tail-end of the final production run in 1965, making it one of the last Model 59 shotguns to ever leave the New Haven, Connecticut factory.This model is legendary for introducing the revolutionary "Win-Lite" barrel. The barrel is constructed by wrapping over 500 miles of microscopic glass fiberglass filaments around a paper-thin steel liner. This cutting-edge 1960s engineering makes the barrel virtually rust-proof and brings the total weight of the shotgun down to an incredibly light 6.5 pounds—making it a dream to carry in the field all day.This specific firearm features a plain-top barrel choked from the factory in Improved Cylinder (Imp. Cyl.), which is widely considered the ultimate configuration for fast-moving upland game, quail, and grouse. The lightweight aluminum alloy receiver features the classic factory roll-engraved hunting scenes detailing a pointer bird dog on one side and flying waterfowl on the other.Whether you are looking for a highly conversational piece of history for your vintage Winchester collection or an ultra-lightweight classic for bird hunting, this final-run Model 59 is an outstanding find.Item SpecificationsManufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.Model: Model 59 (Win-Lite)Caliber/Gauge: 12 GaugeChamber: 2-3/4 InchYear of Manufacture: 1965 (Absolute tail-end production run)Serial Number: 82967 Barrel Type: Plain-Top "Win-Lite" Fiberglass EmbeddedChoke: Fixed Improved Cylinder (Imp. Cyl.)Receiver: Aluminum Alloy with factory game scene roll-engravingStock: Choice American Walnut with factory checkered pistol grip and forearmWeight: Approx. 6.5 lbs (unloaded)Condition

ReportAction & Mechanics: The iconic David Marshall Williams "floating chamber" short-recoil system functions.
The action cycles and locks up tight.Bore: [-bright/Sharp with zero pitting, frosting, or plastic wad buildup].
Fiberglass Barrel Exterior: [Describe fiberglass condition here, e.g., Excellent. The resin coating is complete with no clear-coat peeling, deep scuffs, or fiber fraying.]
Receiver Finish: [Describe finish condition here, e.g., Retains roughly 85% of its original black anodized coating. Sharp engravings with only minor faint silvering on the sharp edges from light handling.]
Wood Stock: [Describe stock condition here, e.g., overall. Shows factory gloss with only minor superficial field dings. No cracks, chips, or structural splitting.]