Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 20075

Year of Manufacture: 1936 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, & 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, 11 rib/notch forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear and some light oxidation in the grooves of the checkering. The furniture shows most of the wear on the forend with 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 Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light oxidation towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The metal surfaces show old blemishes under the current finish, a few scattered surface scratches, and operational wear from cycling the action. The screw heads show light tooling and retain strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

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 is an attractive prewar example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire that has been refinished. Approximately 98% of a nonoriginal blue finish remains on the metal surfaces, applied evenly and presenting cleanly. The rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality beneath the refinish. The stock has been refinished, which is properly disclosed, and it shows correct contours with a tidy, period appropriate appearance.

Mechanically, the rifle is sound. The bore rates 9 out of 10, showing good brightness and well defined rifling with light wear. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that established the Model 61 as one of the finest rimfire slide action rifles of its era. The 24" barrel provides a long sight radius and steady handling suited to deliberate shooting.

Historically, the 1936 production date places this rifle squarely in the prewar period, when Winchester was refining the Model 61 into its mature form. While no longer in factory original finish and wood, this example remains a well restored and mechanically correct Model 61 that offers strong visual appeal and excellent shooter potential, with originality points clearly and accurately disclosed.