Winchester Model 63 .22 Long Rifle Semi-Automatic Rifle, MFD 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1130
LSB#: 211203FH58
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 63
Serial Number: 174470
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Tubular Magazine in Butt Stock
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A”, “MODEL 63 22 LONG RIFLE”, and “SUPER SPEED AND SUPER X”. The underside of the receiver is marked “174470” and the underside of the trigger guard portion is marked “174470”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with “WP” in oval proof marks.
Barrel Length: 23”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel and the rear sight is a leaf and elevator “U” notch dovetail set to the barrel. The rear face of the front sight has been filed at an angle to provide an aiming point.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered sheet steel buttplate. Both pieces are slightly proud to the metal, this is most apparent at the grip. The toe of the buttstock has moderate scuffs/scraping on the left side and the end of the wood has a weathered appearance. Minor nicks and compressions dot either side of the buttstock. The underside of the forend has several light compressions and a few minor drag lines. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. The buttplate has light thinning, light wear and light surface oxidation around its edge with light marks in the stronger finish in the middle. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. Minor nicks, some through the finish, can be seen intermittently down the length of the barrel, the most notable being on the right side near the front sight. Minor thinning and a few nicks can be seen on the barrel tip. Minor hairline nicks and a few scuffs can be seen on either side of the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The takedown works as it should, though the fit between the two pieces of the receiver assembly is quite tight. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Winchester’s model 1903 was the first semi-automatic rifle to be chambered in a .22 rimfire cartridge, but the need for consistent ammunition for proper function led them to chamber the round in their own proprietary caliber. By 1933, smokeless .22 Long Rifle had become consistent enough, and popular enough, for Winchester to redesign the rifle to use the more widely available .22 LR and thus created the Model 63. Now a classic Winchester rifle, the model 63 takes down by unscrewing the knurled, captured screw at the back of the receiver, making for compact storage; it feeds from a tubular magazine housed in the buttstock and is manually operated by a plunger on the nose of the forend. This is a wonderful rifle which has been well cared for since 1958, a fine shooter with a bore that would benefit from some elbow grease—truly a solid collector’s piece. Good luck and happy bidding!