Winchester Model 61 .22 S/L/LR Pump/Slide Action Rifle, MFD 1932 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,192.00

LSB#: LSB231203GB041.1

Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 6177

Year of Manufacture: 1932 / C&R (  )

Caliber: .22 S/L/LR

Action Type: Pump Action with tubular magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked —WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL-”, –MODEL 61– “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK- /22 S. L.OR LR.-”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with WP proofs. The bottom of the receiver and bottom metal are both marked “6177“   The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA”/ —PATENTS PENDING––“

Barrel Length: The round barrel is 24” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a correct 11-groove pre-war slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered compressions and draglines. The right side of the buttstock toward the rear has a few more prominent scratches. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some light wear around the edges. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows minor operational wear in which some of the finish has thinned on the mag tube and sides of the barrel where the pump grip slides. The left side of the barrel, the spot where the slide has exposed the metal, has taken a faint corrosion in the line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Condition.

Mechanics: The safety is jammed into the “fire” position. We did not try to force it. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. We advise taking it to a competent gunsmith to restore the safety back to its proper function. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:  Winchester was the first American company to offer a practical .22 pump-action rifle, the Model 1890. Designed by gunmaking genius John Moses Browning, the Model 1890 was patterned after Winchester’s iconic lever-actions with a tubular magazine under the barrel, an exposed hammer, and top ejection. It was an instant success and set the standard for all .22 repeaters that followed. In 1909, Remington introduced a pump-action .22 that used an internal hammer, allowing the receiver to be streamlined and well sealed against moisture and debris. In 1915, Marlin introduced a similar hammerless .22 rifle. The innovative designs made Winchester’s pump guns look a bit “old fashioned”, and in an attempt to attract new customers during the depths of the Great Depression, Winchester decided to introduce their own “modern” hammerless .22 pump-action. The resulting Model 61 hammerless rifle was released in 1932, and produced until 1963.

This Winchester Model 61 was made in 1932 and is in Fine Condition. It features a 24” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, elegant two-piece walnut stocks with a correct 11-groove pre-war slide handle, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. The rifle’s cross-bolt safety is currently jammed into the “fire” position. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We advise taking this rifle to a competent gunsmith to restore the safety back to its proper function. Once done, this would make for a great shooter or a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection.

BF