Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 324368

Year of Manufacture: 1964

Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)

Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for mounting an optic (none included).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a flat-bottom grooved slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scratches, and draglines primarily on the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has scattered light wear but the checkering is sharp. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. There is some light finish loss on the leading edges. The barrel has intermittent minor nicks and scuffs. There is some discoloration on the right side of the receiver. The screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard and a slide release at the left rear. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Winchester was the first American company to offer a practical .22 pump-action rifle, the Model 1890. Designed by gunmaking genius John Moses Browning, the Model 1890 was patterned after Winchester's iconic lever-actions with a tubular magazine under the barrel, an exposed hammer, and top ejection. It was an instant success and set the standard for all .22 repeaters that followed. In 1909, Remington introduced a pump-action .22 that used an internal hammer, allowing the receiver to be streamlined and well sealed against moisture and debris. In 1915, Marlin introduced a similar hammerless .22 rifle. The innovative designs made Winchester's pump guns look a bit "old fashioned", and in an attempt to attract new customers during the depths of the Great Depression, Winchester decided to introduce their own "modern" hammerless .22 pump-action. The resulting Model 61 hammerless rifle was released in 1932, and produced until 1963. Model 61s chambered in .22 WMR with round barrels were only offered after WW2. This is a post-war Vintage Model 61 rifle made in 1964. The rifle is in Fine condition with about 93% of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics, and a nice bore. This rifle could take its place in a collection alongside its Model 1890, 1906 and 62 cousins, but could also still serve as a fun plinker.