Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 44559

Year of Manufacture: 1939 / 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 aftermarket rear sight is a Marble's 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 only light wear around the edges. The stock shows light wear with a few pressure dings and surface scratches. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a small crack next to the action bar release. There are no chips. This furniture rates in Very Good to Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The bottom of the receiver is correctly marked with a "W". The “W” stamp is a special marking that Winchester used from February 1939 to February 1941 while they were testing a new bluing formula. The receiver shows light pitting under the finish on top and buffing marks on the bottom from when it was refinished. The barrel has finish loss from where the forend cycles along with some scattered scratches and faint spots of erosion. The magazine tube shows mainly operational wear and some light scuffs. The screw heads have faint tooling marks and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 clean, attractive prewar Model 61 that has been refinished, retaining approximately 97% of the refinish on the metal surfaces. The bluing is even and well applied, giving the rifle a sharp overall appearance. The rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality beneath the refinish. The stock has also been refinished and shows correct contours and a tidy presentation consistent with a quality restoration.

Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly. The bore rates 8.5 out of 10 with good brightness and well defined rifling, indicating acceptable wear for a rifle of this age. The action delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that defines the Model 61 and distinguishes it from earlier exposed hammer designs. The 24" barrel provides a long sight radius and steady handling characteristics well suited to deliberate rimfire shooting.

As a 1939 production Model 61 with refinished metal and wood, matching numbers, good bore condition, and correct mechanical operation, this rifle should be viewed as a well restored example. It remains a very appealing shooter grade Model 61 that retains strong visual presence and the classic handling qualities that made the model one of Winchester's finest rimfire slide action rifles.