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12-02-2009, 07:39 PM
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Yet another great Winchester .22 rifle found, 1945 vintage Model 61 (pics) UPDATE: Model 63 pics and Winchester family photo added on page 2! YET ANOTHER UPDATE: Range report on Model 63, page 3...
I had almsot given up on finding a good Winchester Model 61 for my collection, this is the hammerless one. A shop near me had one but he never priced it, I think he wanted to keep it for his own collection. They are going for crazy money on the auction sights, so it wasn't looking good.
I put the word on the street at my gun club that I was looking for a Model 61, that same evening I was contacted by a member who had one he hadn't shot in over 20 years. We agreed on a very fair price, and the rifle was mine! Here's some pics:
Took it to the range this morning, shooting it at 25 and 50 yards. What an excellent rifle, super trigger, a gold bead sight that works instead of obstructing the target, flawless operation. Here's some pics of groups shot prone and sitting at 25 yards:
Now, I have a line on a Model 63 semi-auto, I'll have the whole family from the 50's era anyway, a Model 61, 62A and a 63.
Last edited by canoeguy; 12-04-2009 at 03:26 PM.
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12-02-2009, 07:53 PM
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Another good looking Winchester! Sounds like you've hit the jackpot!
Here's a pic of the only one I have... a .22 pump with a hammer. It has a lyman peep tang sight and a marbles front sight.
PM sent..
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Last edited by digi-shots; 12-02-2009 at 08:14 PM.
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12-02-2009, 08:49 PM
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I am so envious!
Talk about a beautiful rifle.
Actually, both of y'alls are!
I've got to thinking...when the price of these guns go up so much, the little rifles get shot so little- which is a crying shame.
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12-02-2009, 08:52 PM
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Andy: That is exactly why you have two Model 61s; one to shoot and one to admire. After dinner I might just post a pic of the 'admire' one. ... Big Cholla
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12-02-2009, 08:55 PM
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Nice Winchester! I've watched them on Gunbroker, and yes, they aren't cheap!
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12-03-2009, 06:59 AM
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The M/61 and the M/63 are two of the finest .22 sporting rifles that Winchester ever made. I have a M/61 about the same vintage as yours and two M/63's. My shooter 63 has been reblued, I checkered the stock & forearm and added a Redfield 3/4" 4X scope in a custom mount that I made. It goes to the range about every trip, everyone loves to shoot it. My other M/63 is a Deluxe Model circa 1936, it features checkered 3X wood and super grade style swivels. Winchester never cataloged the Deluxe Model and most collectors have never seen one, most "Deluxe Models" that show up at gunshows are put together guns using wood off of the more common '03 Deluxe.
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12-03-2009, 01:50 PM
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It's a sickness I tell you, a sickness.
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12-03-2009, 02:44 PM
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Great 22 rifles.
My father had over 50 at the time of his death. Per his wishes, I sold them and give the money to my mother. Prior to that Dad and I used to plink with a few of them. I preferred the 62 and 62a because I am left handed. Dad like the 61s. He had a couple that had Model 61 marked octagon barrels.
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12-03-2009, 03:04 PM
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Thanks for the pictures folks, it is feeding my Winchester hunger....
Today I was able to consummate a deal on a Winchester Model 63 semi-auto that I have been working on for two years. A local shop has had one on consignment, it had been way over-priced, but the price has steadily come down. Yesterday, I met the man who owned the rifle, talked with him a bit and he lowered the price into the "Reasonable and Do-able" range.
I had to sell one of my revolvers to a forum member to fund the buy (at least the revolver went to a good home), bought the rifle and ran a few rounds through it in the field behind my house to make sure it works. Works fine, looks good, I'll post pictures of it later tonight. I'll take it to the range tomorrow fo a full test. Serial number range puts it at being made around 1947. They sure made a lot of guns post war to sell to returning G.I."s.
Now, guess I'll be looking for a good Winchester 1890 in .22 short....
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12-03-2009, 05:48 PM
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I am particularly fond of the earlier vintage M/63's, the buttstock had a really classic shape with a nicely shaped and defined comb to the stock. The later ones had the stock lines sort of blurred in the interest of ease of manufacture I guess. I picked up my shooter M/63 at a gunshow several years ago, the finish was kinda trashed but hey it only cost me $350.00 OTD. I had the metal reblued without excessive polishing, refinished the stock with a classic hand rubbed oil finish and added checkering in a classic Winchester point pattern. I made a rather unique one piece scope mount for it, the rings and base are all one part and the attaching screws are in the bottom half of the rings. When atached to the rifle the are no visible screws, a Redfield 3/4" 4X scope completes the package. I take it to the range most every trip, everyone loves to shoot it it's the rare trip where it doesn't go thru a carton of ammo. It would be one of the last .22's that I would sell. I also have an early vintage M/61 with checkered steel buttplate that I have similarly checkered and scoped. Both these rifles come from back in the day when you could find worn examples to customize for reasonable prices, i believe that the M/61 also was purchased for $350.00.
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12-03-2009, 08:45 PM
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Here's a pic of the Winchester Model 63 semi-auto I got today, this is the one I've been working on for two years to get the price right. It is not 100%, sling swivels have been added, and a crack has been repaired on the butt stock. I ran a few rounds through it today to make sure it works (it does), so it's off to the range tomorrow to wring it out.
A family picture with it's post WW2 1940's cousins, a 1949 Model 94 in 30/30, a 1949 Model 62A pump, a 1945 Model 61 and the 1947 Model 63:
I tried to find the most original and unmolested example of each of these rifles, only the Model 63 has warts to be explained, and not many of those, only the sling swivels and repaired crack.
All of this Winchester love started a year ago when I picked up a Winchester "Ranger" 30/30 as a cheap, knockabout beater rifle. Had so much fun shooting it, I started looking for more Winchesters. I already had a thing for interesting .22 rifles, so the Models 61, 62A and 63 came naturally.....
I think a Model 1890 .22 short is next, and off course a 94/22 when I can find one at a reasonable price.
Last edited by canoeguy; 12-03-2009 at 08:54 PM.
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12-03-2009, 09:14 PM
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Any interest in a first year manufacture (1939) model 74 .22 short semi auto?
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12-03-2009, 09:15 PM
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Very nice,It seems like your on a mission.
I approve.100%
Merry Christmas,D.G.
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12-03-2009, 09:18 PM
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Fool Proof,
Not too familiar with the Model 74, can you post a picture of it?
Canoeguy
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12-03-2009, 09:24 PM
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I posted a picture of a model 74. I don't have any of mine. The finish on mine is not in great condition but it is all original. This model was offered in .22 short and .22LR with the .22 short being the rarer of the two. Mine is a .22 short with a 4 digit serial number which i believe is a 1939 manufacture. I picked it up off a guy who really needed money at the time. I have no real use for the rifle but would like to see it go to someone who will appreciate it for what it is. If you want pics of the actual rifle i take some and send them to you.
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12-03-2009, 09:35 PM
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Fool Proof,
PM sent...
Canoeguy
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12-03-2009, 10:38 PM
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Canoeguy,
Wow, that model 63 sure looks like a nice one! I'm glad you were able to get it.
It's too bad you had to part with one of your revolvers...
but I can guarantee it went to a very good home.
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12-03-2009, 10:42 PM
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PM sent x2 sorry about that.
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12-03-2009, 11:01 PM
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Great tread and nice guns. Very timely, must be something in the air about Winchester 22s.
About a week ago I saw a shop on line had a model 74 in 22 short 90% for $230. I wasn't familiar with them and by the time I researched it, the gun was sold. So the 74 became my Holy Grail gun until last saturday when I stopped in a very large gun shop in mid state Michigan and found a 74 on the rack listed in 22 LR close to new condition and a first year gun for $350. I put it in layaway and while doing so I took a real good look at the stamping on the barrel and it was a 22 short!
Then today I went for groceries and on the way stopped for a look see at another local shop. A nice tight 1915 built 1890 in 22 short for $300.
Yep, another layaway.
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12-03-2009, 11:21 PM
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Nice photos of some great old guns.
About a month ago I stopped at the local Gun/Pawn shop to pick up a bottle of Tru-Oil, and saw a 63 on the shelf, marked $495. I've been going to this shop for nearly 5 years, and usually ask about old Winchester .22's and S&W's, but no luck, so this one was a surprise.
Overall good condition, but left side of the receiver has some rust freckles, front sight is a Marble Sheard (a replacement, I presume). S/N dates it to 1957, and it is a great shooter.
At $450 OTD it came home with me.
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12-04-2009, 07:34 AM
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Hey Digi-Shots! Nice avatar!
My dad had a Winchester Model 62 with a factory birdseye maple stock. I luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvved that pump .22! He sold it in 1986 for $3000 to finance a few Colt SAA's. I miss that gun. I grew up with it in the glass and wood display case in our kitchen!
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12-04-2009, 11:33 AM
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12-04-2009, 03:24 PM
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Took the Model 63 to the range this morning and had a blast! I zeroed the rifle, and tested probably 10 different brands of .22 ammo. The best was cheap Mexican "Centurian" ammunition, shot a five shot group at 25 yards with all holes touching, a five leaf "Cloverleaf". This was from the prone position, not a rest:
Excellent trigger and sights, 100% reliability from all brands except CCI Mini Mags, which was surprising since most rifles like CCI. But, there was plenty it did like, Federal bulk box from Wal-Mart, Federal Auto Match, Winchester Dyna-Point, etc. The Mexican Centurian has been a real surprise, it is super accurate in all of my rifles and Ruger .22/45 pistol, and it is cheap at $22.00 a brick, that's $2.20 a box. I think it is made by Aguila. Ask your dealer to order some for you, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Last edited by canoeguy; 02-23-2010 at 05:28 PM.
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12-04-2009, 03:58 PM
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This one was my father in laws. My mother in law gave it to me, rather than her flake son. I think its from the 50s,but I havent checked. It's in pretty nice shape and shoots good.
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12-04-2009, 11:56 PM
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I bought this winchester model 63 new in the box about 1971. I belive they quit makeing them in 1958. Dont know how that hid so long. Still had the hanging tag on it. I put the old bushnell 1X4 scopechief on it. I made a safequeen out of it, probley havent shot over 3 boxs or so. I decided to start shooting it. It is one of the last made of the originals. Serial # 173404.
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02-23-2010, 04:02 PM
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Thread Resurrection
I stopped by the local pawn & gun shop today and picked up a 1937 vintage Model 62. It has the small forearm that I prefer, and though it has a bit of finish wear, it is in great mechanical shape with a clean, sharp bore.
It is pictured with the Model 63 I bought from the same shop last November.
If my luck holds, they should have a Model 61 for me in a couple of months
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02-23-2010, 08:04 PM
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AKTinman you made quite a score on your M/63, I've looked for nice M/63's for many years. It has been ten years or more since I've been able to purchase one that nice for $450.00 OTD. Most guys selling M/63's that nice are asking 2X that much. Enjoy what in my opinion is one of the finest .22's Winchester ever made.
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01-17-2011, 08:50 PM
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I resently got a model 63 from a friend who said it was his great grandfathers, my friend being scared of any sort of firearms gave it to me. It has a pre 9800 ser#with a 20'' barrel and in fair condition. Do they have any value? I don't want to get rid of it. If it's not so common I'd want to put a little in it to get it back into shape.
Last edited by JLP; 01-17-2011 at 09:00 PM.
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01-17-2011, 11:07 PM
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JLP,
Winchester Model 63's are very desirable, condition will determine value, but it would certainly be worth your while putting some dollars into it if necessary, given what you have in it now.
Does it function and fire?
Post some pictures of it and members here can help you with the value, and help determine if any parts are needed.
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01-18-2011, 06:01 PM
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Thanks for the reply,for I'm new here and not sure how all this works just yet. The rifle is in good firing order in fact shot a rabbit yesterday with it. Small patches of surface rust, few sratches on the wood but all and all fair.I'll have to get one of my kids to help me post a pic LOL!
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01-18-2011, 06:40 PM
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If it functions and fires, I'd do only what is necessary, don't try re-finishing the stock, steel wooling any rust pits, etc. Leave it "As Is" until someone knwledgeable can take a look at it.
Looking forward to seeing the pics, and congrats on your successful rabbit hunt!
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05-13-2013, 07:33 PM
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four diget s/n
I rec'd a Mod. 63 Delux today from the Orig. owner. He said it had a long thin telescope sight, but doesn't remember what happened to it. It has a slide adjustable peep and 4 threaded holes for a scope mount. S/N383
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08-24-2013, 01:33 AM
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1890 Winchester
My most prized is a 1890 (model 90) 22 long rifle. It's in extremely very good condition. 99% of the blue finish, only some very minor wear marks on the slide, a few small dents in the stock (no scratches) bright finish overall.
Don't shoot it becasue its too nice, so I use a rem 24 and 241 for plunking. Neither are as nice, but at 25 to 35 yards, my 22 short with both a peep and buck horn sights up will shoot as good as guns with scopes.
I would be interested to know when my 1890 was made, the ss number doesn't seem to match any of the informaiton I can find. The number is 840712. Can anyone help?
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08-24-2013, 09:59 AM
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From a pocket guide of Winchester dates of manufacture first edition, 1981-84.
In 1941 s/n 752044 was the start number with no amount of production listed. This is the last year listed. After 1932 serial numbers were chosen at random and many numbers were skipped.
The highest serial number recorded is 849100.
Total production was counted in 1944 at 764215.So it looks like yours
would be between 1941 and 1944. Hope this helps.
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08-24-2013, 11:37 AM
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Thanks, that kinda of what I have found but in some of the on-line charts, it says that production in those last few years were made only with left over parts in inventory and not really a production item. One site I saw listed the production in those last few years, 1941 to ? having a total of 27 guns made. 3 in 1941 and the other 24 didn't have a date.
So I was trying to find out how close to being the last one made it was.
Thanks,
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08-24-2013, 12:02 PM
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wow, very nice eveyone!
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09-10-2013, 03:16 PM
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A year ago, I didn't have a single Winchester pump-action .22 rifle. I did get interested in them, and over the last year, I've acquired two of them that I find fun to shoot, accurate and reliable.
First, here's the Model 61, manufactured in 1952:
And here's my Model 62A, manufactured in 1946. I remember shooting one of these in a shooting gallery at the Arizona State Fair when I was just a kid. As I recall, I won a totally useless stuffed bear when I shot it. I gave it to a neighbor girl, who was thrilled with it. I was a crack shot with my bolt-action Win. Model 69A. Next to a semiauto, these slide-action rifles are the fastest-shooting guns available.
I'm pretty sure that both of these fine guns will be the subjects of future Blue Press articles. They have fascinating histories.
John
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09-10-2013, 07:49 PM
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09-11-2013, 05:10 PM
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I'm glad to see this thread get back to the top as I'm a Winchester .22 junkie. I got this Winchester 61 .22 Magnum last year at a gun show. It had a sign on it $1000.00 or best offer by Sunday afternoon. I had never gave that much for a .22, but I knew the magnums were bringing top dollar so I bought it. I could have sold it for a profit before leaving the show. It is as near perfect as a used gun can be. I've checked Gunbroker and they're bringing $1,500.00-$1,700.00, so it looks like I did well. I have a standard 61 .22S,L,LR about as nice. When i was a kid I wanted a pump Winchester very badly, I'm getting there.
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09-11-2013, 06:26 PM
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I like all the Pics of the old guns they are really interesting to see.
But the title of this thread has got to be the longest one here at the forum.
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22lr, checkering, colt, hammerless, model 63, redfield, ruger, saa, scope, sig arms, winchester |
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