Winchester Model 61 .22 Shot Smoothbore Pump Rifle, MFD 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $7,325
LSB#: 230930MT056
Make: Winchester
Model: 61 Smooth Bore
Serial Number: 191897
Year of Manufacture: 1955 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 28)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle Shot Only
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action Rifle fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the barrel above the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut featuring a flat-bottomed ribbed forend, a semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a metal buttplate. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some faint handling and storage marks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks is in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some minor operational wear on the magazine tube. There is very minor thinning as some of the leading edges of the receiver. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a vintage two-piece Winchester cardboard box with a serial-matching label. There is also a vintage Winchester Midget Hand Trap thrower and six (6) clay pigeons marked “Moskeeto”.
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 1955 vintage Model 61 rifle that is in Fine Plus condition with about 97% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a truly nice bore. And a smooth bore at that, for this is no mere Model 61. Oh no… it is a smooth bore for .22 caliber shot ONLY, making it an ideal gun for pesky birds. This version of the 61 is rather rare, and it could take its place as the jewel of a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906, and 62 cousins. With the included vintage Winchester hand thrower and “Moskeeto” clay pigeons, you have all the necessary pieces of a museum-quality exhibit in your own home. Please see our photos and do NOT miss out on this opportunity!
-J. Ren
