I got lucky a few weeks ago. Stopped into a shop that has a focus on black rifles, and behind the counter which has some used items I saw a rifle barrel and the corn cobb type pump forend sticking up.

I asked to see it and it was a filthy old Winchester Model 61, in .22 Win Mag RF.
For $350.00 !

I immediately said I'd take it, and I think the guy was kinda suprised at my excitement.

I stripped it down and after cleaning I have a pretty mint old 1959 model 61. Shot it at about 30yds into the dirt berm and was plinking tiny rocks with no problem. Once it gets warmer I'll have to sit down and see how it is on paper but so far it looks like the sights are spot on.

This is an elegant little rifle, with a take down screw and the halves come apart effortlessly.

Nice rifle. As a 13 year old wanted to move beyond a pellet gun and saw this rifle in 22 Mag. My parents were told my 1st 22 should be a bolt cation and not in 22 Mag. Got the bolt action that got me into shooting but still have a strong affinity for that Model 61.

Wow, very well done. That’s a gorgeous little rifle you have there. Congrats

quote:

Originally posted by GCE61:
I have a pretty mint old 1959 model 61.

Yes, you do. Outstanding.

I am so envious. My dad had one and it was the first rifle I ever shot. I was all of 7.

WOW, what a great score.

The wood and the blue finish are really beautiful.

They sure don't make 'em like that anymore.

Enjoy.

That is outstanding. I have one of the Taurus copies. Great little carbine but nothing like that beauty.

Amazing score. I wish I could find gun shops like that.

I have the same model 61 from the last year of production. You stole that gun, enjoy-they are a blast to shoot... great pick up!!!!!

Thanks guys, I feel fortunate to have found such a nice example.

Old school and gorgeous. Great find.

IIRC that's a John Moses Browning design.
In any case, it's gorgeous. I think most of the ones that turn up were used as gallery guns and the barrels are pretty shot out.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
IIRC that's a John Moses Browning design.

Browning was working with FN on the “Trombone” at the time and Winchester’s designers Frank Burton and Harry Crockett figured out how to work around the patents he held.

This one is chambered for .22 WMR and is from the first year of production in that caliber. Very nice find and probably worth around 5x what OP paid if the condition is what it appears to be.

I was thrilled when I inherited a real nice one in about the same condition, older but in the standard chambering. They’re really well designed rifles that work flawlessly regardless of who’s credited for it.

Beautiful rifle! Nice score. Shoot it and enjoy it. One of life's simpler pleasures and treasures for sure.

What a little gem! The older I get the more I am drawn to sweet little rifles like that.

That's in beautiful condition. Great score, especially for that price!

Looks beautiful, congratulations

Have one in about the same condition in .22lr. Great guns.

quote:

I was thrilled when I inherited a real nice one in about the same condition, older but in the standard chambering. They’re really well designed rifles that work flawlessly regardless of who’s credited for it.

Hi, Bob! How ya doin'? Still in Maui?

Awesome find! Looks like a new gun.