Make: Winchester

Model: 63

Serial Number: 52648A

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 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 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 condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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 96% of its metal finish. The finish is strong showing light scratches and operational wear. 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 strong wartime production example of Winchester's refined self loading rimfire, presenting with approximately 96% of its original bluing intact. The metal surfaces remain deep and even with light handling evidence, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating light use. The action functions correctly, cycling smoothly and reliably in keeping with the Model 63's reputation for dependable operation. 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 improved evolution of the earlier Model 1903 and remained in production through World War II. A 1945 example represents late wartime output, produced during a period of material constraints yet maintaining Winchester's quality standards. With high remaining original bluing, matching numbers, an excellent bore, and correct mechanical function, this rifle stands as a very desirable wartime Winchester rimfire.