Make: Winchester
Model: 61, Smoothbore
Serial Number: 52010
Year of Manufacture: 1940 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long Rifle Shot Shells
Action Type: Pump/slide action, tubular magazine
Barrel Length: 24" (8" long .265" diameter Winchester counterbore)
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is textured to reduce glare.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip,17-rib forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate has light edge wear. The furniture shows light wear with some pressure dings and minor scuffs. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with stubborn streaking. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of it's original finish. The finish shows occasional surface scratches, light operational marks, and minor discoloration of the right side of the receiver. There are few few spots that have very old grease hardened on the finish. The screw heads are faintly tooled and retain turnable slots. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good Plus 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 prewar Winchester Model 61 Smoothbore was manufactured in 1940 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Produced by Winchester, the Model 61 was one of the finest slide-action rimfire designs of the 20th century. This example is configured as a .22 LR Shotshell gun, a less commonly encountered variation intended for pest control and short-range use. These smoothbore or shotshell-oriented models are often referred to as "garden guns" and were marketed for dispatching snakes, rodents, and other small pests.
Chambered for .22 LR shotshells with a 24 inch barrel, this firearm reflects Winchester's adaptation of the popular Model 61 platform to a specialized role. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition. The action functions correctly.
This firearm retains approximately 96% of its original finish, presenting an exceptionally clean example for a prewar production gun. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition with minimal visible handling wear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good Plus condition and stands as a scarce and well-preserved 1940 Winchester Model 61 shotshell variant. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
