Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 4563

Year of Manufacture: 1932 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action), Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass-beaded post dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 11 groove forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows minimal wear. The furniture shows light wear with infrequent pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. This furniture rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore towards the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are minimal blemishes and light operational wear. The only notable marks are infrequent faint freckling and a very small spot of oxidation a little behind the front sight. The screw heads show light tooling and retain strong slots. The screw heads show faint tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine+ to Excellent 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: Winchester 61 Do Everything Manual

Our Assessment: This is an exceptional early production example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire, distinguished by its octagonal barrel, a configuration far less commonly encountered than the standard round barrel variants. Approximately 98% of the original blue finish remains, with deep, even coloration across the barrel, receiver, and magazine components. The rifle retains matching numbered parts, a critical point of originality that significantly enhances collector appeal, especially on a first year Model 61.

Mechanically, this rifle is outstanding. The bore rates a perfect 10 out of 10, bright with sharp rifling and no visible wear. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that set the Model 61 apart from earlier exposed hammer designs. The octagonal barrel adds both visual presence and historical interest, giving the rifle a distinctly traditional sporting profile that bridges late nineteenth century aesthetics with Winchester's modern 1930s engineering.

Historically, 1932 marked the introduction of the Model 61 and Winchester's transition to a hammerless slide action rimfire. Early production rifles are especially sought after, and examples fitted with octagonal barrels are markedly scarcer than their round barrel counterparts. In this level of condition, with near complete original finish, a perfect bore, and full matching numbers, this rifle stands as a premier collector grade example of one of Winchester's most refined rimfire designs.