Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 23548A

Year of Manufacture: 1937 / 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 smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light oxidation spots. The furniture shows only a few very minor pressure dings. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This furniture rates in Fine to Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its nonoriginal finish. The refinish on this firearm was very well done. The finish shows a spot of oxidation on the left side of the receiver and some light freckling. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The pin that holds the takedown screw in has worn down and will not stay retained in the receiver when unscrewed. 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 63 was manufactured in 1937 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Winchester, the Model 63 was introduced in 1933 as the successor to the Model 1903 and quickly became one of Winchester’s most refined semi-automatic rimfire rifles. Prewar examples such as this one reflect the fit, machining, and styling characteristic of Winchester’s golden era production.

Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 23 inch barrel, this tube-fed semi-automatic rifle maintains the classic sporting configuration favored for small game and recreational shooting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10, indicating solid internal condition with good rifling. The action functions correctly.

This rifle retains approximately 97 percent of its nonoriginal metal finish. The refinish on this firearm was very well done, presenting a clean and cohesive appearance. The refinished furniture rates in Fine to Excellent condition with attractive grain and minimal visible blemishes. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition and stands as a sharp prewar 1937 Winchester Model 63 with a high-quality refinish. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!