Winchester Model 61 .22 Win. mag 24″ Pump/Slide Action Rifle, MFD 1962 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,376.00

LSB#: LSB251130SL028

Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 329269A

Year of Manufacture: 1962 / C&R

Caliber: .22 Win Mag

Action Type: Pump Action takedown with tubular magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK– MADE IN U.S.A.”, “–MODEL 61– /.22 WIN MAF R.F.-”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with WP proofs. The bottom of the receiver and bottom metal are both marked with the serial number “329269/A”. 

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.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a 17-groove Pump grip handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There is a crack in the bottom of the pump grip.  The stocks has scattered compressions and scratches throughout. The left side of the buttstock toward the rear has a few more prominent scratches. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some light wear around the edges and on the checkering. Overall, the stocks rate in Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered light marks and signs of the finish turning to patina. The action shows light operational wear in which some of the finish has thinned on the mag tube and sides of the barrel where the pump grip slides.The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:  The Winchester Model 61 represents the company’s modern answer to the evolving rimfire market of the early twentieth century, marking a decisive shift away from exposed-hammer pump rifles toward a sleeker, hammerless design. Introduced in 1932, the Model 61 was developed to compete directly with contemporary hammerless pump rifles from Remington and Marlin, offering a fully enclosed action that was smoother, cleaner in operation, and better protected from debris. By the time of this rifle’s manufacture in 1962, the Model 61 had become firmly established as one of the finest pump-action rimfire rifles ever produced, admired for its handling, reliability, and refined construction.

This example is chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, a cartridge introduced in 1959 that significantly expanded the practical range and utility of rimfire rifles. The longer 24-inch barrel takes full advantage of the cartridge’s velocity potential and contributes to the rifle’s steady balance. The rifle retains approximately 85 percent of its original blued finish, with light edge wear, scattered handling marks, and thinning on the magazine tube and barrel flats where the pump grip travels. Markings remain clear, screw heads are sharp, and overall metal condition reflects careful use rather than neglect.

The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks show honest wear, including scattered scratches, compression marks, and a visible crack at the bottom of the pump grip, placing the wood in Good overall condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, delivering the smooth pump stroke for which the Model 61 is known. As a late-production example chambered in .22 Magnum, this rifle stands as a highly desirable variant of a classic Winchester design, combining mid-century innovation with enduring rimfire performance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF