Pre-War Winchester Model 61 .22 Short Long LR Takedown Pump Rifle, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1189
LSB#: 210329HD01
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 43275
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 61”, -“WNCHESTER / TRADE MARK”- and “.22 S. L. OR L.R.-”. The underside front of the receiver and the front underside of the trigger guard are marked “43275”. There is a circled “WP” proof mark at the upper rear of the barrel and on the top of the receiver at the front. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. – U.S.A. PAT. NO. 1994564”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included).
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 a some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is thinning finish at the toe and the bottom edge of the grip. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear, mostly around the edges, some tool marks around the top mounting screw and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good 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 balance is mostly in operational wear, most notable are lines of wear along the sides of the barrel and magazine tube from the slide handle. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The receiver has some scattered minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-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 pre-war vintage Model 61 rifle made in 1940. The rifle is in about Very Good-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!