Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 175945

Year of Manufacture: 1951 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action), Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded post dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. 

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 17 rib/notch forend, and a checkered metal Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear with some oxidation in the grooves of the checkering. The stock shows faint wear with only a few scattered pressure dings. 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 Fine to Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a very minor spot of surface oxidation towards the muzzle end of the bore, but no erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is scattered thinning, with scratches, and other expected handling marks. The right slide flat has a spot of very minor surface erosion. Worn areas show treatment with cold blue. The magazine tube shows finish loss due to operation. The screw heads have light tooling marks and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 is a strong postwar example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire, retaining approximately 85% of its original blue finish with worn areas showing treatment with cold blue. The metal surfaces show light, even wear with good finish concentration, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality. The stock and forend present correct contours and a new finish, giving the rifle a clean, honest appearance consistent with careful use.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating minimal internal wear and excellent remaining accuracy potential. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that established the Model 61 as one of the finest rimfire slide action rifles ever produced. The 24" barrel provides a long sight radius and steady handling characteristics well suited to deliberate shooting.

As a 1951 production Model 61 with strong remaining finish, matching numbers, an excellent bore, and correct mechanical operation, this rifle stands as a desirable and well preserved representative of Winchester's postwar rimfire craftsmanship.