Winchester Model 61 Takedown .22 LR Pump Rifle - Made in 1958 - 281643

A Pre-1964 Slide-Action Masterpiece Crafted with Hand-Fitted Steel Core Tolerances

The Winchester Model 61 represents the absolute pinnacle of American slide-action rimfire engineering, holding a revered status among vintage firearms collectors and sporting traditionalists. Introduced in 1932 to replace Winchester’s aging exposed-hammer pump rifles, the Model 61 utilized a sleek, hammerless, enclosed-receiver framework. Manufactured entirely during Winchester's legendary pre-1964 golden era, these rifles were built using heavy forged carbon steel receivers and machined internal parts meticulously hand-fitted by master gunsmiths—a labor-intensive production methodology abandoned by the modern industry.

Carrying serial number 281643, this late-production 1958 vintage specimen features Winchester's iconic mechanical takedown chassis configuration. By loosening a single coin-slot thumb screw on the left rear face of the frame, the receiver smoothly bisects into two self-contained sub-assemblies. This elegant layout permits immediate breech-to-muzzle bore maintenance and allows the rifle to pack flat for transport. Crucially, as a late-1950s production model, this receiver flat comes factory-grooved with 3/8-inch optics tracks machined directly into the top of the steel frame, seamlessly blending vintage mechanical design with modern scope mounting adaptability.

Condition and Action Highlights

Overall Status: Rated in very good condition, presenting as a highly honest, completely original vintage rimfire repeater showing expected finish tracking from field use while remaining mechanically immaculate.

Original Grooved Metalwork Preservation: The factory high-polish bluing displays an incredibly attractive, natural patina with absolutely zero rust, pitting, or oxidation tracking. Reflecting decades of careful field transport, the steel displays high-edge thinning across the receiver profile, softening primarily along the lower chassis boundary, trigger guard bow, and the leading flats of the 24-inch barrel. The factory-machined 3/8-inch optics grooves on the receiver top remain perfectly sharp and unmarred.

Authentic Walnut Wood Furniture: The factory American walnut buttstock and matching ribbed slide forend rate in good condition, retaining their smooth original finish. The wood exhibits an honest assortment of minor blemishes from standard hunting deployment, including small dings along the comb, superficial surface impressions near the wrist, and scattered small handling marks along the forend ridges. The wood is structurally robust, completely free of hairline splits, structural cracks, or sanding distortions.

Flawless Slide Action Mechanics: The internal slide-action mechanism operates with legendary pre-64 velvet smoothness. The pump tracks fluidly along the magazine tube without binding, feeding, locking, and extracting spent cartridges with mechanical authority. The trigger break remains crisp and positive.

Bore and Sight Presentation: The 24-inch barrel features a bright bore with sharp rifling, completely free of lead accumulation or chamber pitting. It retains its original adjustable rear sporting notch assembly and front sight blade.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Co. (New Haven, CT)

Model: Model 61 Standard Slide-Action Takedown

Serial Number: 281643

Year of Manufacture: 1958 (Pre-1964 Production Era)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle / .22 Long / .22 Short (Interchangeable)

Barrel Length: 24 Inches (Round Sporting Taper)

Action Type: Hammerless Slide-Action (Pump) Takedown

Receiver Frame: Factory-Machined 3/8-Inch Scope Mount Optics Grooves

Feed System: High-Capacity Full-Length Tubular Magazine Reservoir

Stock Construction: Factory Standard Smooth Walnut Buttstock with Ribbed Forend

Sight System: Factory Original Adjustable Sporting Rear Sight / Fixed Front Post