Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 228707 (matching numbered parts)
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1955 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump-Action, Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The receiver is grooved for an optic, though none is present.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two piece wood with a straight comb, smooth semi-pistol grip, 17 rib/notch forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows only light edge wear and a few flecks of oxidation. The furniture shows some minor pressure dings, drag lines, 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 Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with faint 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 80% of its original metal finish. The finish shows operational wear on the magazine tube, moderate thinning on the barrel, edge wear, light scratches, and flecks of oxidation. The screw heads show little to no tooling and retain strong slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus 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 Winchester Model 61 was manufactured in 1955 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Introduced in 1932 by Winchester Repeating Arms, the Model 61 was Winchester's premium hammerless pump-action rimfire rifle, replacing the earlier exposed-hammer Models 1890 and 1906. Featuring a streamlined receiver, smooth pump action, and takedown construction, the Model 61 quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest pump-action .22 rifles ever produced. Its quality craftsmanship and pre-1964 manufacture continue to make it highly desirable among collectors and shooters alike.
Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle offers outstanding versatility for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. Winchester's attention to detail and exceptionally smooth action made the Model 61 a benchmark for rimfire pump rifles throughout its production life. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition with strong rifling. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition with light handling wear consistent with careful ownership. This rifle retains approximately 80% of its original metal finish, showing honest edge wear and thinning while maintaining an attractive overall appearance. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition and represents a solid original example of the Winchester Model 61, one of the most respected and collectible American pump-action rimfire rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
