Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 51596A

Year of Manufacture: 1943 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Semi Automatic, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 23"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded post dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. A Lyman aperture is screwed into the upper tang.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, smooth forend, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate shows very light wear. The furniture shows a mix of light surface scratches and pressure dings, along with some older blemishes that have been finished over. There is a faint crack running from the upper tang and a very small chip taken from the top of the butt. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original EXCEPT the buttplate

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 98% of its original metal finish. The finish shows a few small scratches and infrequent flecks of oxidation. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This wartime Winchester Model 63 was manufactured in 1943 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Winchester during the height of World War II production constraints, only approximately 373 Model 63 rifles were manufactured in 1943, making this a notably scarce wartime example. Civilian sporting rifle production was limited during the war years, adding historical interest to rifles produced in this period.

Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 23 inch barrel, this tube-fed semi-automatic rifle reflects the classic sporting configuration that made the Model 63 so popular both before and after the war. This example is equipped with a Lyman aperture sight mounted to the upper tang, providing enhanced target acquisition and period-correct accessory appeal. The action functions correctly.

This rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original metal finish, presenting an exceptionally strong example for a wartime production rifle. The refinished furniture rates in Very Good condition with solid structure and clean presentation. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition and stands as a rare 1943 Winchester Model 63 with factory-era production scarcity and Lyman aperture sight. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!