early & excellent Winchester Model 61 .22 L.R. Pump Action Rifle 1933Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 61 rifle was introduced in 1932, and was a hammerless design with a tubular magazine. It was actually released after the Model 62, which like the previous Models 1890 and 1906 also had a hammer. The Model 61 was Winchester's answer to the hammerless Remington and Marlin rifles being produced. This an early 1933 vintage Model 61 rifle in .22 L.R. that is in Very Good to Fine condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining and an excellent bore. The rifle currently will slam-fire and will need to be looked at by a qualified gunsmith. Once done, this would make a great shooter and an even better addition to a fine collection.
Make: Winchester
Model: 61
Serial Number: 3579
Year of Manufacture: 1933
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Pump Action Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The bead is damaged, offset to the left. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered compressions and draglines. There is a thin crack in the top of the wrist. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear around the edges. The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
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 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The rifle can be slam-fired. This not a factory feature and should be addressed prior to firing. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE