Winchester Model 61 .22 S L LR 24″ Slide Pump Action Rifle, MFD 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 211203FH54
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 232960
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left barrel shoulder is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “MODEL 61 / .22 S L OR LR”. The underside of the guard and the bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, “232960”.
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 a few scuffs, the most noticeable is on the right side of the buttstock. Minor nicks and compressions are scattered throughout the wood, notable mostly on either side of the buttstock. There is one moderate nick on the underside of the slide handle, and another on the comb. The LOP measures 13 1/4” 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 are in Fine 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 95% of its metal finish. The receiver has intermittent light nicks on the edges of the ejection port as well as minor nicks scattered across the flats. The barrel has intermittent minor nicks down its length with one more notable nick through the finish on the bottom near to the tip. 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: This Model 61 includes its serial-matching factory box.
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 1958 vintage Model 61 rifle that is in Fine condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a really 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!