Early 3-Digit Winchester Model 61 .22 S L LR Pump Action Rifle, 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,976
LSB#: 201014FR17
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 275
Year of Manufacture: 1932
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action with Nearly Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 61”, -“WINCHESTER / -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 “275”. There is a circled “WP” proof mark at the upper rear of the barrel and on the top of the receiver’s chamber ring. The front face of the receiver under the magazine tube has inspection marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN.——PATENTS PENDING-”.
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 grooved slide handle, smooth pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have light handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The most notable nicks are along the comb with a more notable scrape on the left of the grip. There are no chips or cracks. 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, 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 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. 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 very early Model 61 rifle, made in 1936 and just the 275th rifle off the assembly line. The rifle is in about Fine condition with about 94% 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. Its very early production will make it a nice addition to even advanced Winchester collections. Please see our photos and good luck!