Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 13175

Year of Manufacture: 1936 / 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 brass-beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece smooth walnut with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, smooth forend, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear and a ding at the top edge. The stock shows very light wear with only a few minor blemishes. There is a small filled hole in the top of the wrist. 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 about Fine condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is fairly strong showing edge wear. Some areas are mottled where wear was treated with cold blue. There are infrequent scratches. The screw heads have light tooling marks and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 is a desirable prewar example of Winchester's refined semi automatic rimfire that has been refinished. Approximately 90% of its blued finish remains on the metal surfaces with worn areas showing treatment with cold blue. 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 an attractive, well executed presentation.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10, showing bright steel and strong rifling with minimal wear. The action functions correctly, cycling smoothly and reliably as intended. The 23" barrel provides a steady sight radius and balanced handling, consistent with the Model 63's reputation as a smooth, accurate rimfire.

Historically, the Model 63 represents Winchester's evolution of the earlier Model 1903 into a more versatile .22 LR platform. A 1936 production example places this rifle firmly in the prewar period, a time widely regarded for high manufacturing standards. This rifle remains a well restored, mechanically strong Model 63 with excellent shooter appeal and honest, clearly disclosed restoration.