Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 176503

Year of Manufacture: 1951 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump-Action, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

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.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 17 rib/notch forend, and a checkered metal Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light oxidation spots. The stock shows light wear with a few pressure dings 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 Very Good to 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. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is light wear on the receiver with some scratches and freckling. The barrel has finish loss from where the forend cycles along with some scattered scratches and faint spots of surface oxidation. The magazine tube shows mainly operational wear on the finish from cycling the action. The safety has some red paint on it. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine 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 rifle presents as a high condition postwar example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish. The metal surfaces remain deep and even with light handling evidence, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality. The stock has been refinished, which should be clearly noted, but it remains well executed and presents cleanly with correct contours and attractive appearance.

Mechanically, the rifle is outstanding. The bore rates a perfect 10 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating minimal internal wear. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that made the Model 61 widely regarded as one of the finest rimfire slide action rifles ever produced. The 24" barrel provides an excellent sight radius and steady handling characteristics well suited to deliberate shooting.

As a 1951 Model 61 with exceptional remaining blue finish, matching numbered parts, a perfect bore, and a professionally refinished stock, this rifle stands as a very attractive example that balances collector appeal with excellent shooter potential.