Winchester Model 61 .22 S L LR 24″ Slide Pump Action Rifle, MFD 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1046
LSB#: 211204EJ03
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 131553
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left barrel shoulder is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, and “MODEL 61 – 22 S. L. OR L.R.”. The underside of the guard and the bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, “131553”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded brass blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator tang sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for mounting a scope (no scope is included).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with flat-bottom grooved slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There are light compressions, drag lines, and small nicks throughout the grip and buttstock along with several more notable scrapes in the left side of the buttstock. The end of the wood where it meets the plate has minor finish loss. The forend has several minor compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear with some light thinning. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. Nearer to the receiver the barrel has taken on a light plum hue. Wear such as light nicks and thinning are most evident on the tip of the barrel while minor nicks can be seen intermittently down the length of the barrel. The barrel and magazine tube both have light operational wear. The receiver has minor thinning and minor nicks on most edges while the flats have light hairline nicks. The screw heads have minor tool marks with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard and a slide release at the left rear. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 61 rifle was introduced in 1932, and was a hammerless design with a tubular magazine. It was actually released after the Model 62, which like the previous Models 1890 and 1906 also had a hammer. The Model 61 was Winchester’s answer to the hammerless Remington and Marlin rifles being produced. Round and octagon barrels were available in .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle, and the octagon barrels were also available in .22 WRF. After WWII, the octagon barrels were discontinued and the .22 WRF chambering was offered in round barrels. This is a 1950 vintage Model 61 rifle that is in Fine condition with about 96% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a truly nice bore. This rifle could take its place in a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906, and 62 cousins, but could also simply serve as a fun plinker. Good luck and happy bidding!