1951 Winchester Model 63 .22LR 23" Semi Automatic RifleOur Assessment: When Winchester came out with their Model 1903 semi-automatic rifle, they chambered it in .22 Winchester Automatic. This was a smokeless powder round with a case slightly larger than a .22 Long cartridge to prevent the use of .22 rimfire ammunition loaded with black powder, which was still prevalent at the time. As time went by, the new .22 Long Rifle cartridges made with smokeless powder became more available and thus cheaper than the .22 Win. Auto rounds. The .22 Long Rifle cartridge was also slightly hotter than the .22 Win. Auto, which was on a par with the .22 Long cartridge. In 1933, Winchester redesigned the Model 1903 to accept the .22 Long Rifle cartridges and the Model 63 was born.This a post-war Model 63 made in 1951. The rifle has a grooved buttstock for loading rounds in the magazine tube, and an operating rod that protrudes through the front of the forend's nosecap. The rifle has wear in the metal and wood consistent with infrequent use. The bore is generally strong with a few patches of erosion. The mechanics are sound. Whether you're looking to add to your Winchester collection or just have an affinity for classic .22 autoloaders, this a neat rifle to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Winchester
Model: 63
Serial Number: 104737
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Barrel Length: 23"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some light scratches and minor handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear and some faint oxidation around the edges. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are three patches of erosion in the bore, two in the top near the middle and one in the top toward the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks and some scattered tiny spots of minor oxidation on the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: 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