Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 200617

Year of Manufacture: 1955, C&R

Caliber: .22 S/L/LR

Action Type: Pump Action with tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 24” round barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with 17-groove pump grip, flat bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There is no notable handling wear. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

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 70% of its metal finish.The balance of the finish has a mottled/muddy appearance. There are a few scattered handling marks, including a few nicks that have been blued over. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. There is light operational wear on the tube and barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 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 1955 and has a 24” round barrel chambered in .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle. The rifle is in about Very Good condition with about 70% of its current finish remaining. The metal has been treated with cold blue. 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.