Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 55137

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: .22 S/L/LR

Action Type: Pump Action with tubular magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL - MODEL 61- WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK- 22 S.L. OR L.R.-”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with WP proofs. The bottom of the receiver and bottom metal are both marked “55137”.

Barrel Length: The 24” round barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. There are two drilled, tapped, and filled holes on the top tang for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with grooved pump grip, flat bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and steel checkered buttplate. There are compression marks, scratches, and minor scrapes. There are no chips. The left side of the wrist has a small crack. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good 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 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The action shows operation wear. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is intermittent light oxidation. There are scratches throughout the receiver. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 61 rifle was introduced in 1932, and was a hammerless design with a tubular magazine. Round and octagon barrels were available in .22 S, L and Long Rifle, and the octagon barrels were also available in .22 WRF. After WWII, the octagon barrels were discontinued and the .22 WRF chambering was replaced with the better performing .22 WMR cartridge. This rifle was made in 1941 and has a 24” round barrel chambered in .22 LR. The rifle is in about Very Good condition with about 87% of its finish remaining. This slide action repeater would look great in any collection of pump rimfire rifles, but it really belongs in a collection next to its Model 1890 and 1906 predecessors. Winchester pre-1964 rifles and shotguns are prized by collectors and shooters alike for their finish and the smoothness of their actions.