Custom Engraved Winchester Model 61 24” .22 S/L/LR Pump Action, 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,190.00
LSB#: LSB250731KK019
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 313833
Year of Manufacture: 1961 (https://www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf)
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
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 of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “313833”. This rifle was engraved and given gold accents by Jim Sornberger, Professional Knifemaker & Engraver, from California. The left side of the receiver features a squirrel scene, with floral engraving and gold accents. The right side of the receiver features a rabbit scene, with floral engraving and gold accents. The barrel, bottom metal, and the barrel bands feature floral and relief engraving, with gold bands. The forend screw, trigger, cross-bolt safety button, receiver screw, rear sight ramp, buttplate screws, magazine tube cap, and slide release button are all gold plated.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch leaf, on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, and a serrated pump grip/forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with only a couple of minor dings on the buttstock and forend. There does appear to be a hole in the belly of the buttstock that has been filled. The checkering is sharp and well defined. The finish on the stock is strong throughout. There are no structurally compromising chips or cracks. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Gold Plating
Finish Originality: Refinished (in the engraving process)
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99%+ of its current metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear, with only a few minor hairline scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. All of the engraving and gold accents are vivid, well defined, attractive, and professionally done. The action does show operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The factory markings are all clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. 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 is a classic American pump-action rimfire that exemplifies simple, reliable design and tidy handling — a favorite for small-game hunting and recreational range shooting through the mid-20th century. This example has been professionally engraved and gold-accented by Jim Sornberger, and the relief floral work, game scenes, and plated hardware elevate it from utility rifle to a finely finished presentation piece. The vintage pump action profile, full-length 24? barrel and original cut checkering retain the model’s period charm while the engraving and gold accents give it clear display and collection appeal; prospective buyers should note the refinishing performed during the engraving process, which has altered the factory metal surface in service of the decorative work.
Chambered for the ubiquitous .22 S/L/LR family, this Winchester checks extremely well: the bore is bright and sharp at a 10/10 rating, the engraving and gold accents are vivid and professionally executed, and the stocks present in Very Good to Fine condition with only minor handling marks and a filled hole in the belly of the buttstock. The action functions properly and the rifle retains virtually all of its current refinish and ornamentation, making it a striking, ready-to-display example for collectors who prize custom engraving on classic rimfire platforms. If you want more information on Jim Sornberger and his quality of work, you can visit the link to his website here- https://sornbergerknives.com/. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
