Traded into this good condition Model 63, recently:
Fascinating mechanism. It actually flings the round from the tubular magazine directly into the chamber before the breechblock can close on it. That’s really something worth seeing.
I had one of them during my juvenile delinquency period in the mid-‘60s. I figured out that the fire control system is the same as in the M1 Carbine (it may have even inspired the Carbine’s design). So, I made a tiny drop-in part to go between the trigger and the floating sear/disconnector which converted the little dickens to full-auto. As best I could determine, it cycled at about 600 rounds per minute. I even made a wooden bipod for it, too, sorta like the bipod for the M16. A three round burst of hollow points could sure do a number on a plump California ground squirrel, I can tell you. A handy feature was the 63’s quick, easy take down. If the federales came over the ridge to investigate the source of the noise, I could have that 63 apart, with the offending itty bitty part into the dirt and stepped on before they could reach me. “Yea, I know, officer. Musta been some kinda dirt in there. Think maybe I got it cleaned out. Seems okay now, though. Wanna try it?”
Ex, I'm Glad that you were lucky enough to find it. There a lot of fun to shoot like you said. Winchester came out with a few different Semi-Auto Rifles starting with the Model 1903,(1903-1932), in Win Auto Rim fire Caliber ONLY. Tubular feed.(10 rounds) Model 1905,(.32 Cal and .35 Cal.) 5 and 10 round magazine. Model 1907, (.351 cal) 5 and 10 rd. mag. Model 1910,(.401 Cal.) 4 shot Box Magazine.
Your Model 63 Was an improved model 1903 in the .22 Caliber Long Rifle, Tubular fed,(10 rds.) Mfg. from 1933-1958 approx. 174,692 total production. The Idea of the Model 63 was to take advantage of the .22 Cal. Long Rifle Ammo which was first introduced by The J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co. in 1887.(Savage Arms)
The Model 63 was mfg. again in 1997-1998 with a checkered Walnut Stock. A Deluxe Model of a total production of 1000 were also offered for one year in 1997 only. Both Later Versions were modern variations of the earlier model 63.
With all this being said I've always found all these Semi Auto's fun to shoot and Collect. Enjoy,
HS 58
I Learned a long time ago to Separate My Want's from My Needs!
I've owned several M/63's including an ultra rare Deluxe Carbine, shot thousands of rounds. Best semi-auto ever made in America, all steel and walnut quality from buttplate to front sight.
I've owned several M/63's including an ultra rare Deluxe Carbine, shot thousands of rounds. Best semi-auto ever made in America, all steel and walnut quality from buttplate to front sight.
Some might argue that Statement but I won't! As it really is a fun little light weight affordable Semi Auto to Shoot.
Originally Posted by Exchipy
Originally Posted by HunterShooter58
Your Model 63 Was an improved model 1903 in the .22 Caliber Long Rifle, Tubular fed,(10 rds.) Mfg. from 1933-1958 approx. 174,692 total production.
Its serial number dates the manufacture of this one to late 1957, just before the end of production. The one I had before was produced much earlier.
Yours is a great example in fine Condition. Got me thinking of pulling one out and heading to the Farm to do some plinking.
HS 58
I Learned a long time ago to Separate My Want's from My Needs!
Nice spot on the trigger mechanism. The M1 Carbine actually took it from the 1907, which of course took it from the 1903 which is the forerunner of the 63. That trigger mechanism was also copied by Saive on the FN FAL.
LOVE your 63, hope to add one of those to my collection some day.
Exchipy... Nice spot on the trigger mechanism. The M1 Carbine actually took it from the 1907, which of course took it from the 1903 which is the forerunner of the 63. That trigger mechanism was also copied by Saive on the FN FAL.
Thanks, GunGeek. I first made that observation when I was a smart-ass 17 year old kid. It lead to just one of the several felonies I can freely admit, now that the Statute of Limitations has long since run out on them, and I’m no longer in the criminal justice administration bizzness.
I have one with a low three digit serial number. One of my favorite guns.
We had a local gunstore that had one with serial number 041 or 043, it was an early one. He wanted something stupid for it, like 2500 or 3k.
I had been wanting one for years and my lgs picked up a nice collection. It had two 63s in it, one completely restored and one in very nice original condition. They both came home.
Substituted sights (again), now a Williams WGRS and a tall Lyman 17A, and today started playing with it at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity Round Nose ammo:
May hafta try some of my LAPUA Center-X ammo to see what it can really do.
My favorite Winchester rimfire. Had an excellent example in pristine condition but got talked out of it several years ago and have been looking for one in prime condition again. The ones that got away!!!