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"I have carefully examined this rare Winchester, inside and out, and have determined it is an original experimental rifle with other additional rare features." -George Madis
LOT 3034
Pre-World War II Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle with Experimental Type Grip Safety with George Madis Letter - Serial no. 17412, 22 RF Short cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1936. Non-standard blade front and elevation adjustable sporting notch rear sights, first style barrel inscription, Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly, factory drilled and tapped upper tang with filler screws in place. The hammer catch is smooth and smaller than standard. Aside from the as mentioned non-standard sights and simple hammer catch, the rifle also features two knurled head screws on the right
side of the receiver, and a contoured walnut grip safety. The purpose of the screws is unknown. 11 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate. In his included 3-page letter Winchester expert and author George Madis states, “I have carefully examined this
rare Winchester inside and out and have determined it is an original experimental rifle with other additional rare features.” Madis notes the rare octagon barrel in 22 Short as standard Model 61s had a round barrel in
22 SL LR as well as the “rarest feature,” the experimental grip safety. Madis wrote, “Winchester experimented with safeties of this type, but they were never put in production. This safety works in addition to the regular safety located in the front of the trigger guard. When the regular safety is off, the
gun will not fire unless the grip safety is depressed....With the rare barrel, caliber, condition, age and one-of-a-kind safety, this is a great Winchester and it merits a prominent place in any collection or museum.” The Madis letter has been professionally framed.
CONDITION: Fine with 40% original blue finish, areas of high point and edge wear, small surface scratches, scattered spotting, and patches of surface pitting on the barrel. The wood is very good with small dings and scratches throughout, visible cracks at the butt end of the stock, and mostly spotted gray patina on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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