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SIMILAR EXAMPLES PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER SLIDE ACTION RIFLES, VOL. II BY SCHWING
LOT 3055
Experimental Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in Rare .22 WMR Shot Caliber with Screw-On Choke Device - Serial no. 319385, 22 shot cal., 24 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1960. This highly unique Model 61 is nearly identical to the example described and pictured on pages 91-93 of “Winchester Slide Action Rifles: Volume II” by Ned Schwing.
“Winchester was always trying new ideas
and approaches to expand it product line,”
wrote Schwing. “The company’s Model 61
chambered for the .22 Magnum was a great
success, so why not a Magnum Shot?” The
muzzle is threaded and fitted with a .22 caliber choke tube marked “22 W.M.R./
MOD.” and it measures 1 5/8 inches. The intended purpose of the screw-on choke
was to produce a modified shot pattern. “Whether or not other choke tubes in full
or cylinder were tested is not known,” continued Schwing. With the choke tube attached the barrel measures 24 inches. The bead sight is located behind the choke tube. “22 WMR SHOT” is hand stamped on the barrel as was done in the Research and Development Department. Experimental guns were commonly hand stamped with the caliber designation of the feature
that was being tested. The rifle has an early style checkered hammer catch. Experimental/R&D rifles were commonly built
using available parts, thus explaining the old style catch. Other features and markings on this experimental Model 61 include Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, groove top receiver, serrated trigger, 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered composite Winchester buttplate. This rifle is proof that Winchester was considering offering its line of Model 61s a version in .22 WMR Shot Only.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original blue finish, some light slide retraction marks on the barrel and magazine tube, and some small scattered surface scratches. The wood is also excellent with some scattered small dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 8,500 - 14,000
LOT 3056
Rare and Desirable Pre-World War II Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in Very Scarce .22 WRF with Octagon Barrel - Serial no. 48446, 22
WRF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1940. Marble beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch 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, smooth round top receiver, flip up peep sight on the factory drilled and tapped upper tang, smooth trigger, and serrated hammer catch. 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% blue, with the slightest touch up at the muzzle. The wood is also very fine with scattered small dings and some larger dents and bruises. Mechanically excellent.
44 Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500