Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 268622 (matching numbered parts)
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1959 / 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 Marbles beaded blade with a serrated face 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 forend and stock were replaced. The current furniture is birdseye maple with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 9 rib/notch forend, and a checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear on the edges and discoloration. The buttplate does not fit flush to the wood. The furniture shows fairly light wear with infrequent surface scratches and pressure dings. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is an open grain line behind a small patch repair on the right side of the stock. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very faint surface oxidation towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show pitting and other blemishes under the current finish. The current finish has some scattered scratches, operational marks, and spots of oxidation. The screw heads show light tooling and retain strong slots. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition (see mechanics section).
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The action will not lock up when cycling the pump. 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 1959 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Winchester, the Model 61 was the refined successor to the earlier Models 1890 and 1906 and became one of the most respected pump action rimfire rifles of the mid-20th century. By 1959, the Model 61 was nearing the end of its production run, closing out a long and successful chapter in Winchester’s slide action history.
Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle maintains the versatile configuration that made it a popular small game and recreational shooting platform. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10, remaining highly shootable. The metal has been refinished and currently retains approximately 90 percent of its finish. The forend and stock were replaced with a birdseye maple set and rate in Very Good condition.
It should be noted that the action does not function correctly. The action will not lock up when cycling the pump, indicating a mechanical issue that requires attention prior to use. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition and should be considered accordingly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
