Winchester Model 63 .22 LR 23″ Takedown Semi-Automatic Rifle, MFD 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2400
LSB#: 220106TB036
Make: Winchester
Model: 63
Serial Number: 176291
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle, Super Speed, Super X
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Takedown Rifle with Tubular Magazine in Buttstock
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” and “-MODEL 63 .22 LONG RIFLE – / SUPER SPEED AND SUPER-X”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “176291” and the trigger guard portion is matched and marked “176291”. The top of the barrel and receiver have the Winchester verified proof logo.
Barrel Length: 23”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb and steel buttplate. There is a hole in the end of the buttstock where the mag tube inserts and a loading port on the right side of the buttstock. There are just minor handling marks in addition to the small bits of finish loss very minor nicks on the heel. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light oxidation and finish loss around the edges, most notable at the heel. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are mostly minor handling marks on the metal with a few minor nicks on either side of the receiver. The barrel has scattered minor nicks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-to-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The charging handle is a plunger in the front of the forend. There is a push-button safety at the back of the trigger guard. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: When Winchester came out with their Model 1903 semi-automatic rifle, they chambered it in .22 Winchester Automatic. This was a smokeless powder round with a case slightly larger than a .22 Long cartridge to prevent the use of .22 rimfire ammunition loaded with black powder, which was still prevalent at the time. As time went by, the new .22 Long Rifle cartridges made with smokeless powder became more available and thus cheaper than the .22 Win. Auto rounds. The .22 Long Rifle cartridge was also slightly hotter than the .22 Win. Auto, which was on a par with the .22 Long cartridge. In 1933, Winchester redesigned the Model 1903 to accept the .22 Long Rifle cartridges and the Model 63 was born. The model was made from 1933 to 1958 with almost 175,000 made, this one specifically in the last few. The rifle has a grooved buttstock for loading rounds in the magazine tube, and an operating rod that protrudes through the front of the forend nose cap. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or just have an affinity for classic .22 autoloaders, this is a neat rifle to add to any collection. Good luck and happy bidding!