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Winchester Model 61, mfg 1959

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January 06, 2024, 08:03 AM
GCE61
Winchester Model 61, mfg 1959
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.





January 06, 2024, 10:26 AM
abnmacv
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.


U.S. Army 11F4P Vietnam 69-70 NRA Life Member
January 07, 2024, 08:08 AM
RR
Wow, very well done. That’s a gorgeous little rifle you have there. Congrats
January 07, 2024, 08:12 AM
fritz
quote:
Originally posted by GCE61:
I have a pretty mint old 1959 model 61.

Yes, you do. Outstanding.
January 07, 2024, 09:11 AM
cigardad
I am so envious. My dad had one and it was the first rifle I ever shot. I was all of 7.
January 07, 2024, 09:32 AM
P-220
WOW, what a great score.

The wood and the blue finish are really beautiful.

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

Enjoy.


Niech Zyje P-220

Steve
January 07, 2024, 10:33 AM
pedropcola
That is outstanding. I have one of the Taurus copies. Great little carbine but nothing like that beauty.
January 07, 2024, 12:39 PM
1KPerDay
Amazing score. I wish I could find gun shops like that.


---------------------------
My hovercraft is full of eels.
January 07, 2024, 01:02 PM
brianfede
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!!!!!
January 07, 2024, 03:12 PM
GCE61
Thanks guys, I feel fortunate to have found such a nice example.
January 07, 2024, 08:52 PM
amals
Old school and gorgeous. Great find.
January 08, 2024, 06:47 PM
sjtill
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.


_________________________
“Remember, remember the fifth of November!"
January 21, 2024, 10:34 PM
P210
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.
January 21, 2024, 10:50 PM
coloradohunter44
Beautiful rifle! Nice score. Shoot it and enjoy it. One of life's simpler pleasures and treasures for sure.



"Someday I hope to be half the man my bird-dog thinks I am."

looking forward to 4 years of TRUMP!
January 22, 2024, 03:57 PM
Browndrake
What a little gem! The older I get the more I am drawn to sweet little rifles like that.




Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

January 23, 2024, 06:40 AM
92fstech
That's in beautiful condition. Great score, especially for that price!
January 28, 2024, 09:21 PM
HK Ag
Looks beautiful, congratulations
January 29, 2024, 10:04 PM
SigM4
Have one in about the same condition in .22lr. Great guns.



Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view.

Complacency sucks…
January 31, 2024, 12:38 AM
sjtill
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?


_________________________
“Remember, remember the fifth of November!"
January 31, 2024, 07:41 AM
got2hav1
Awesome find! Looks like a new gun. Big Grin


JEREMIAH 33:3