Winchester Model 61 24″ .22 WMR Magnum Takedown Pump Action Rifle, 1959 C&R
Sold for $2704.89
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 302365
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire)
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “-MODEL 61- / 22 WIN. MAG. R.F.”. The underside of the guard and the bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, “302365”, the guard is also marked “A” below the serial marking.
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 top of the receiver is grooved with rings holding a Leupold 4x Rimfire Special scope with duplex reticle. The scope has light handling marks in the body with clear glass.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with flat-bottom grooved slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There are a some scattered light scuffs, and scratches, almost all in the buttstock. There is a tiny repaired crack at the front edge of the wrist on the top-right. There are cno racks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are 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. The balance is mostly in light operational wear including lines of wear on each side of the barrel from the slide handle. There are a couple of light scratches on the trigger guard and a few other scattered minor mraks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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 rifle comes with the installed scope as described as well as a two-piece cardboard Winchester box with serial-matching label, a manual, and a Weaver scope 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. 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. Late in production, the more powerful .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire would be introduced, giving the rifles a little more punch and range.
This is a 1959 vintage Model 61 rifle chambered for .22 WMR in Fine condition with about 96% 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 serve as a hunting rifle for smaller game.
Good luck and happy bidding!