Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 52081A

Year of Manufacture: 1945 / 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 wear. The stock shows very 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 are no chips or cracks. 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 freckling towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is fairly strong showing light fading as well as scattered surface scratches. 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 to 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 wartime production example of Winchester's self loading rimfire, presenting as a refinished rifle that retains approximately 90% of the refinish on the metal surfaces. The bluing is even and well applied, giving the rifle a clean 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 with a tidy, period appropriate presentation.

Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly. The bore rates 9 out of 10, bright with well defined rifling and light wear consistent with moderate use. The action cycles smoothly, reflecting the proven reliability of the Model 63 design. The 23" barrel provides a steady sight radius and balanced handling well suited to recreational shooting and small game use.

Historically, the Model 63 was Winchester's refined successor to the Model 1903 and saw continued production through the Second World War. A 1945 example represents the final wartime output of the model, produced during a period of constrained manufacturing yet consistent quality. While this rifle is no longer in original finish, it remains a well restored, mechanically sound example of a classic Winchester autoloader that offers strong shooter appeal and clear wartime provenance.