Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 156758A

Year of Manufacture: 1957 / 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.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, smooth forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows faint wear. The furniture shows minimal wear aside from a thin crack on the right side of the forend, running from the receiver. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This furniture rates in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Black Plastic Forend Cap

Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue. The forend cap has been replaced.

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 95% of its metal finish. The finish is fairly strong showing some rub wear in the receiver and the enamel on the forend cap is not evenly applied. The receiver has a slightly mottled appearance where wear was treated with cold blue. The screw heads range from light to moderately 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, but the bolt hold open does not work. 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 is a clean postwar example of Winchester's hammerless semi automatic rimfire that has been refinished. Approximately 95% of its blued finish remains on the metal surfaces, worn areas of the receiver show treatment with cold blue. The rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of collector interest. The stock has been refinished and the nosecap replaced, which is properly disclosed, and it shows correct contours with a tidy, attractive appearance.

Mechanically, the rifle is largely excellent. The bore rates a perfect 10 out of 10, bright with sharp rifling and no visible wear. The action cycles correctly and operates smoothly. However, the bolt hold open feature does not function, a known wear point on Model 63 rifles. This issue does not prevent normal cycling or firing but should be noted for completeness and may require adjustment or parts replacement to restore full factory function.

Historically, the Model 63 represents the mature, postwar refinement of Winchester's semi automatic rimfire line. A 1957 production example benefits from decades of incremental improvements and remains highly regarded for smooth operation and accuracy. While this rifle is no longer in factory original condition and its nosecap does not facilitate a bolt hold open, its outstanding bore, matching numbers, and strong overall presentation make it an attractive shooter grade example.