comments on winchester61 .22lr pump

W

wine9er

New member
Went to buy 1022. Left w/wincester61, pump action,mint condition, '51 production, serial13xxxx. $325.
Why:too beautiful to pass up, very sweet. Love the Ruger but practicality can wait.
Interested in comments, particularly impressions of the rifle, pros/cons, interesting history if any.
 
You did GOOD!

The Winchester Model 61 is one of those rare classics everyone should own - at least once. When I was going to UT in the late '50's, I had a connection with a local hardware store that permitted buying directly from a local wholesale house. As I remember, I bought a couple Model 61's at a price less than $40. Put a J2.5 scope on one of them and had a real accurate .22.

Sold it some years later for over $200 :eek: . . . it's one of several I wish I had kept. Again, you did good . . . you can always pick up a 10/22, but those Model 61's are scarce and usually more expensive than what you paid. :)
 
"The 61 is an updated version of the 1890, correct?"

No, that's the 62. The 61 is hammerless, designed by the same guy who did the M12, not JMB.
 
The Winchester 61 - what a classic! Don't know when the first 61 was made, but it's shown in my 1940 Shooter's Bible. In the late 50's they were also offered in .22 Mag

The Win 61 was the first gun I was allowed to shoot and hunt with on my own. I was 12 or so, on my Grandparent's farm in Iowa. The rifle was my Father's when he was a kid in the 40's. I still have it and plan to pass it down.

Overall a very well balanced, trim, and robust gun. Made from forged steel, walnut, and the kind of craftsmanship that's seldom encountered today in guns under $1,000. Based on the prices I've seen $325 was a good deal. -- Kernel
 
I had one while I was a teenager. Sold it to my best freind while we were in college ('85), after teaching several of my buddies to shoot with it. It is a great design that is both easy and fun to shoot. Love the fact it can be broken down.

My best friend lives around the corner from me now and so does the rifle. Think I'll pay em a visit this weekend.

You got a good deal, enjoy.

JJCII
 
got the one my dad gave me when i was 16--its leaning in the hot water heater closet right now with an assorrment of rat shot and cb caps and other bullets waiting for some vermin......Dick
 
You got an excellent rifle for a pretty good price! I'm sure after using it for awhile, you will realize that you have one of the best 22 pumps ever made. I also doubt you will ever take much of a loss if you decide to sell it. This model is very similar in looks and function as the Remington Mod. 121 ( the poor mans 61), which to many is just as good. Besides you can pick up any ole 10/22 just about anywhere, anytime. That won't happen with the 61. One problem you may have in the future is stopping with just one classic pump 22. There are several to choose from so be forewarned this may be the start of something that gets addictive. I speak from experience...:D
 
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