I have a Winchester model 61 circa 1957 ...It shoots 11/2 inch 25 yard groups,and functions great. The barrel has a slight ring around it where it looks like about 8" of barrel was added by welding a piece on it for repair...the weld is about an inch behind the front magazine dovetail...barely visible,but is there. the barrel inscription looks factory orig. not polished and reblued...bore is bright,but there is a visible joint all the way around the inside where it is butted together...rifling is perfect and both pieces line up perfect...what the heck went on here????? anyone seen this ,or heard of it??? could Winchester have done this? cant find info anywhere, lots of knowledge on this site! Thank you all.....
Winchester rifle barrel repair question
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Pisgah
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It sounds to me like the barrel might have been "ringed" by firing a round with a bullet already stuck in the bore. This would not necessarily even be detectable from the outside of the barrel, but would leave a bright ring in the bore. This scenario is, to me, a whole lot more likely than someone welding an extra piece of barrel on and achieving a perfect fit with perfect rifling.
How about a picture?
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Amen,your rifle was fired with a bore obstruction where the ring is. May or may not affect accuracy. 1 1/2 inch groups at 25 yards would hint that the barrel needs replaced, that's about a 6 inch 100 yard group. More than a tad loose.
Be a good idea to let someone else shoot it to see if it's the rifle or you.
Be a good idea to let someone else shoot it to see if it's the rifle or you.
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Sounds like a ringed bore to me too.
Can happen when firing a round with a bullet already stuck in the bore,,or even a cleaning patch or other obstruction.
It bulges the bbl causing the ring in the bore. On most .22rf rifles w/a bbl of any substance the outside damage is barely noticeable.
Many times the surface only shows a uniform width line all the way around of the metal being stretched. That could be what you are seeing and taking as a weld line.
You can usually feel it when you slide your finger over it, but it's not much of a bump in the surface on 22 rifles generally.
Thin bbls on 22's like handguns and bbls on centerfire rifles & shotguns usually show a much more pronounced bulge on the outside as well as the ring inside. The centerfire rifles having much more psi,,the shotguns much thinner bbl walls.
I can't think of any reason why the Winchester factory would ever repair a bbl by welding sections together like that. Just wouldn't make $$ sense and with safety in mind,,they proof fire every bbl and bbled action before it left the factory. One with a ring in it wouldn't have left NewHaven.
A bbl ordered as a separate replacement part would have been proof tested also on a test recv'r at the factory and have the so called 'Postal Proof' mark on it of a 'P in an oval' instead of the standard finished arm proof mark of 'WP in an oval'.
If it's working OK for you, I'd leave it as is.
You could have the bore relined which would remove the ring inside and give you a new bore and chamber.
The outside would (could) then be struck and refinished to remove the damage on the outer surface. Properly done it can be un-noticeable from original.
Not properly done it's just a refinished bbl on a Win 22 pump. That'd lower the value,,but so does a ringed bore,,so take your pick.
The other option is to look around for a orig Win replacement bbl w/a nice bore and switch them. They are out there.
There are also new mfg replacement bbls complete w/ Winchester roll marks on them. Not cheap either.,
I think there are 4 or 5 different bbl address markings for these Mod 61's alone plus they were made in both round and oct, and single caliber only as well as short/long/lr.
Just some thoughts if not confusing ones..
Can happen when firing a round with a bullet already stuck in the bore,,or even a cleaning patch or other obstruction.
It bulges the bbl causing the ring in the bore. On most .22rf rifles w/a bbl of any substance the outside damage is barely noticeable.
Many times the surface only shows a uniform width line all the way around of the metal being stretched. That could be what you are seeing and taking as a weld line.
You can usually feel it when you slide your finger over it, but it's not much of a bump in the surface on 22 rifles generally.
Thin bbls on 22's like handguns and bbls on centerfire rifles & shotguns usually show a much more pronounced bulge on the outside as well as the ring inside. The centerfire rifles having much more psi,,the shotguns much thinner bbl walls.
I can't think of any reason why the Winchester factory would ever repair a bbl by welding sections together like that. Just wouldn't make $$ sense and with safety in mind,,they proof fire every bbl and bbled action before it left the factory. One with a ring in it wouldn't have left NewHaven.
A bbl ordered as a separate replacement part would have been proof tested also on a test recv'r at the factory and have the so called 'Postal Proof' mark on it of a 'P in an oval' instead of the standard finished arm proof mark of 'WP in an oval'.
If it's working OK for you, I'd leave it as is.
You could have the bore relined which would remove the ring inside and give you a new bore and chamber.
The outside would (could) then be struck and refinished to remove the damage on the outer surface. Properly done it can be un-noticeable from original.
Not properly done it's just a refinished bbl on a Win 22 pump. That'd lower the value,,but so does a ringed bore,,so take your pick.
The other option is to look around for a orig Win replacement bbl w/a nice bore and switch them. They are out there.
There are also new mfg replacement bbls complete w/ Winchester roll marks on them. Not cheap either.,
I think there are 4 or 5 different bbl address markings for these Mod 61's alone plus they were made in both round and oct, and single caliber only as well as short/long/lr.
Just some thoughts if not confusing ones..
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OP
Thanks, bet you guys got it right! barrel sure looks factory, ring around outside looks too uniform to be a patch job. There are correct barrels on internet for $150, then install..but, its doing what I want it to,now!..fun to shoot. not a collector item anyway. scope would probably shoot super groups...open sights + 62 years= 11/2" 25 yd. groups.......what to do????
DWalt
Member
Having some prior experience (mine being the result of firing my Remington 550-1 with the muzzle being plugged with mud), it has been ringed, meaning slightly bulged. In my case the bulge was about 2" behind the muzzle. It really did not affect its grouping capability, and was not very noticeable, but nonetheless there. It will have a significant effect upon its collectible value (Winchester collectors go absolutely nuts for nice Model 61s), but if you want it as a shooter, probably macht nichts. Leave the barrel on it alone. You can do nothing other than making it worth less by replacing the barrel.
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gwpercle
Member
Mount a scope and go shooting....if the accuracy is unacceptable, I would shop around for a replacement barrel.
But I like the model 61 and wouldn't mind investing a few dollars in it. They will never make them like this again.
Gary
Homestead Gun Parts usually has M61 bbls (original take offs) in stock. Different outside and bore conditions and priced accordingly. Sometimes out of stock too.
Barrels Gun Parts antique firearms, Winchester, Marlin, Remington Jimenez, Bryco Jennings, Buttplates, Barrels, Sights, Screws
Looks like $225 toi $275 would get you a nice bbl w/a exc bore.
The bbl address may not match the era of your gun though and you'd still have the job of installation. Though they are staight forward exchange threaded RH bbl's. You do need a bbl vise and action wrench to pull the old one and install the new one..
Ebay is always a chance meeting of an orphaned bbl too as are other gun parts dealers.
Relining to keep your original bbl with a new bore would probably run about $250/$300 also.
Barrels Gun Parts antique firearms, Winchester, Marlin, Remington Jimenez, Bryco Jennings, Buttplates, Barrels, Sights, Screws
Looks like $225 toi $275 would get you a nice bbl w/a exc bore.
The bbl address may not match the era of your gun though and you'd still have the job of installation. Though they are staight forward exchange threaded RH bbl's. You do need a bbl vise and action wrench to pull the old one and install the new one..
Ebay is always a chance meeting of an orphaned bbl too as are other gun parts dealers.
Relining to keep your original bbl with a new bore would probably run about $250/$300 also.
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