EXPERIMENTAL WINCHESTER MODEL 61 SMOOTH BORE .22 WMR RIFLE
SOLD FOR: $17,850
Make: Winchester
Model: experimental Model 61 Smoothbore
Serial Number: 347118
Year of Manufacture: 1963
Caliber: .22 Magnum (WMR), Shot
Action Type: Pump Action Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “22 WMR SHOT”, stamped by hand through the finish. There are “WP” Winchester proof marks at the top-rear of the barrel and top-front of the receiver. The receiver and trigger guard are each marked with the serial number at the bottom-front.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead at the front of the barrel. The receiver is grooved for an optic (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide-handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some light nicks and handling marks, mostly in and around the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear and white residue. The stocks rate in about Fine-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some minor operational wear and a few small marks on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: he 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. This a 1963 experimental Model 61 with “22 WMR SHOT” hand stamped on the barrel, as was done in the Research and Development Department. experimental guns were commonly hand stamped with the caliber designation of the feature that was being tested. This rifle is in Fine-excellent condition with about 98% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a truly nice smooth bore. This example is rather Rare and it should take its place as the jewel of a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906, and 62 cousins!
