Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 227759 (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. The furniture shows only minor pressure dings and drag lines. The LOP measures 13.5" 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: Nonoriginal

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 94% of its nonoriginal metal finish. The finish shows operational wear on the magazine tube, light edge wear, and faint scratches. 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 Model 1890 and Model 1906 designs. Featuring sleek lines, a smooth slide action, and takedown construction, the Model 61 quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest pump-action .22 rifles ever produced. Today, it remains sought after by both collectors and shooters.

Chambered to accept .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle offers exceptional versatility for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. Its smooth action and quality craftsmanship exemplify Winchester's pre-1964 manufacturing standards. 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 only light handling wear. This rifle retains approximately 94% of its non-original metal finish, presenting very well while reflecting a noticeable refinish rather than original factory blue. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good Plus condition and represents an attractive example of the Winchester Model 61, combining one of Winchester's finest rimfire designs with excellent mechanical condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!