Winchester Model 61 .22 S/L/LR 24” Pump / Slide Action, MFD 1953 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,400.00

LSB#: LSB250520ST019

Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 186402

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1953

Caliber: .22 S/L/LR

Action Type: Pump Action with 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 barrel and receiver are marked with WP proofs. The bottom of the receiver and bottom metal are both marked “186402”.

Barrel Length: 24” round barrel

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. The top of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with grooved pump grip, flat bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There is no handling wear. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent 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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There are a couple very minor marks. The action shows no notable operational wear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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. 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 replaced with the better performing .22 WMR cartridge. This rifle was made in 1955 and has a 24” round barrel chambered in .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle. The rifle is in about Time Capsule condition with about 99% of its finish remaining. This slide action repeater would look great in any collection of pump rimfire rifles, but it really belongs in a collection next to its Model 1890 and 1906 predecessors. Winchester pre-1964 rifles and shotguns are prized by collectors and shooters alike for their finish and the smoothness of their actions. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.