Winchester Model 61 Smoothbore — .22 LR Shot Only Takedown Pump Rifle (1958)
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,135.00
This Winchester Model 61 Smoothbore is a takedown, hammerless pump-action rifle built for .22 Long Rifle shot only with a 24” barrel. Manufactured in 1958, this example is a rare smoothbore / counter-bored variant produced for shot loads rather than standard .22 bullets, and it presents in fine condition with a strong bore and dependable mechanics.
Identification
MMA#: 250708NW355
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 61 Smoothbore (Non-Routledge, Winchester counter-bored smoothbore)
Serial Number: 260421
Year of Manufacture: 1958 (Winchester serial lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle — shot only
Action Type: Takedown pump action, tubular magazine fed
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics
Front sight: fixed steel bead on the barrel. No rear sight—typical of field-ready smoothbore .22 shot guns intended for close-range pest control.
Stock Configuration & Condition
Two-piece walnut stocks with a flat-bottomed ribbed fore-end, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and Winchester hard-rubber buttplate. Wood shows shallow compressions, faint lines, and minor scrapes; several small marks are visible through the finish on the buttstock. Length of Pull (LOP): 13⅜” to the buttplate. Overall stock condition: Fine–Plus.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue (original)
The rifle retains approximately 94% of its metal finish. There are faint patches of surface oxidation on the left side of the receiver and sparse freckling along the barrel, plus scattered small nicks and dings consistent with service use. Screw heads are sharp and markings remain clear. Overall condition: Fine.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Bright with no erosion and light fouling; writer rates the bore 9/10.
Mechanics: Action functions correctly on inspection. The takedown system and pump action operate as expected. This rifle has not been test-fired by our team; a professional inspection and cleaning are recommended before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included: a vintage two-piece Winchester cardboard box (note: the box is not original to this rifle). No additional paperwork documented.
Our Assessment
Introduced in 1932 as Winchester’s hammerless, tubular-magazine answer to competing rimfire pumps, the Model 61 was offered in a variety of barrel profiles and chamberings. This 1958 smoothbore example is an uncommon counter-bored model intended for .22 shot loads — a purpose-built tool for pest control that also carries collector interest due to its rarity. With about 94% original finish, a clean bore, and solid mechanics, it’s both a usable field piece and an attractive addition to a rimfire or Winchester collection, especially for specialists who appreciate variant and takedown examples.
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Firearm Archive — Browse other Winchesters, takedown rifles, and rare rimfire variants.
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