Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 319877

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1961 / 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. The receiver is grooved for an optic though none is present.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 17 rib/notch forend, and a checkered synthetic Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear. The stock shows faint wear with only a few scattered blemishes. Most notable is a small scuff on the bottom of the stock next to the buttplate. 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-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is only faint wear that includes a few surface scratches and operational wear from the forend cycling back and forth. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Excellent 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 an exceptional late production example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish. The metal surfaces are deep and even with minimal handling evidence, and the rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important point of originality and collector appeal. The stock and forend present clean lines and finish, giving the rifle a crisp, well preserved appearance that reflects careful ownership.

Mechanically, the rifle is outstanding. The bore rates a perfect 10 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating little to no use. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that made the Model 61 widely regarded as one of the finest rimfire slide action rifles ever produced. The 24" barrel provides an excellent sight radius and contributes to steady, deliberate handling.

As a circa 1961 Model 61 with near complete original finish, a perfect bore, and full matching numbers, this rifle stands as a premium example from the final years of Model 61 production. High condition rifles from this period are increasingly difficult to find and remain highly desirable to collectors and shooters alike.