Make: Winchester

Model: 61

Serial Number: 325988

Year of Manufacture: 1960-1963 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire

Action Type: Pump-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 stock is wood with a straight comb, semi-pistol grip, 17 rib/notch forend, and a checkered synthetic Winchester buttplate. The buttplate shows minimal wear. The stock shows light wear with infrequent pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. The forend is losing its gloss finish. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. This furniture rates in Very Good to Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is moderate wear with scattered scuffs, scratches and light freckling. The magazine tube shows finish loss due to operation. The screw heads show faint tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine 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 solid late production example of Winchester's hammerless slide action rimfire in the desirable .22 WMR chambering. Approximately 80% of the original blue finish remains, with the metal surfaces showing honest wear and thinning consistent with normal field use. The rifle retains matching numbered parts, an important detail for collectors and a positive indicator of originality. The stock and forend present clean lines and period correct contours, maintaining the classic Model 61 sporting profile.

Mechanically, the rifle remains strong. The bore rates 9 out of 10 with bright steel and well defined rifling, indicating light to moderate use with excellent remaining accuracy potential. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, refined pump stroke that made the Model 61 one of Winchester’s most respected rimfire designs. The 24 inch barrel provides a long sight radius and allows the .22 Magnum cartridge to perform effectively.

As a 1960s Model 61 in .22 WMR, this rifle represents the mature form of Winchester's slide action rimfire development. Examples in this chambering are notably less common than .22 LR variants, and this one offers a good balance of originality, mechanical condition, and honest finish wear. It stands as a desirable representative of Winchester's postwar rimfire craftsmanship.