Winchester Model 61 .22 S/L/LR Pump/Slide Action Rifle, MFD 1955 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,775.00

LSB#: WY241022BC001

Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 216447

Year of Manufacture: 1955

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.L.R.”.  The bottom of the frame and bottom metal are both marked “216447”.  The top of the barrel and receiver are both marked with Winchester WP proofs.

Barrel Length: The round barrel is 24” in length.

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 receiver is scope grooved.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with grooved pump grip, flat bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel checkered buttplate, There are light handling marks with a few notable compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The finish is original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’ opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are spots of finish loss in the magazine tube and streaks of thinning and finish loss in the underside of the barrel from rubbing on the forend. The knurling on the magazine tube rod is sharp and the markings are crisp. 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: This rifle comes with a factory box and handouts.

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 1959 and has a 24” round barrel chambered in .22 WMR. The rifle is in about Excellent condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. 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.