Winchester Model 61 .22 Short Long LR Takedown Pump Action Rifle, 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1000
LSB#: 201123CH39
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 194807
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine and Takedown Receiver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” – “MODEL 61 / .22 S.L. OR L.R.”. The top-rear of the barrel and the top-front of the receiver each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The serial number is marked on the bottom-front of the receiver and trigger guard assemblies.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble 41W brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with flat-bottom grooved slide handle, smooth pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have light handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. There is a thin crack at the rear of the top tang. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly around the edges, a few spots of minor surface oxidation, and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus 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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The action shows operational wear, including wear along the sides of the barrel from the slide handle. There are some scattered minor marks with a more notable scratch on the left of the barrel about 4″ from the muzzle and a scrape on the top-rear of the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. 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 & 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 S, L 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 Model 61 rifle made in 1953. The rifle is in about Fine condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a great bore. This is a nice-looking rifle, and we are sure it will take its rightful place in a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906 and 61 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!