Winchester Model 61 .22 LR Pump / Slide Action Rifle, MFD 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1180
LSB#: 220516JH011
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 242817
Year of Manufacture: 1956
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, “242817”.
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 flat top leaf sight, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The slide-step elevator is retained. 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 and underside of the forend. Other minor nicks and compressions are scattered throughout the wood, which has darkened nicely with age. 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 erosion and surface rust at the heel. 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 92% of its metal finish. There are some scattered freckles from dry storage, most notable on the lower tang and right frame flat. The barrel shows more thinning and a mild drift to patina than the frame, especially on the rear half. 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. Production ended in 1963 with approximately 343,976 rifles having been produced.
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 1956 vintage Model 61 rifle is in Fine condition with about 92% 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!