Winchester Model 61 Takedown .22 Short 24” Pump Action Rifle, MFD 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,650
LSB#: 230930MT034
Make: Winchester
Model: 61 Takedown
Serial Number: 34277
Year of Manufacture: 1938 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 28)
Caliber: .22 Short
Action Type: Pump Action Rifle fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel.
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, dings and some minor handling and storage marks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some persistent fouling but no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operational wear on the magazine tube. There are light nicks, scratches and handling marks scattered about. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle will slam fire as designed. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & 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. 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 1938 vintage Model 61 rifle that is in Fine condition with about 95% of its finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a great bore. Most .22s of this vintage show quite a bit more wear, so it’s nice to find one in such high condition. This rifle could take its place in a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906 and 62 cousins, but could also still serve as a fun plinker. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
