Have a hankering for a pump-action 22lr, and a local shop has a Winchester 61 at a not-outrageous price. Anyone have one? If so, how do you like it? Anything I should watch out for?

I have one and really like it, not much to watch out for other than the normal stuff. How much is it? Grooved receiver?

61, 62, and 63 are some of the best fun you can have with your pants on.

Have one and have many other pump 22's. One of the best there is, a man size rifle. If not a M-61 then a Remington M-121.

Thanks guys, I bought it today. $510 out the door, serial number indicates 1941-42 production. Metal is fantastic but someone drilled and tapped the receiver for a Weaver side mount. Luckily the rifle has both the mount and scope, a usable little Weaver Model 29S. Also unfortunately, the stock has been cut and fitted with a 1/2" clear acrylic spacer, and a 1" ventilated Pachmayr White-Line pad, most likely to increase length of pull. The rifle also has a sling swivel in the buttstock and another clamped to magazine. Makes for a nice, usable sling but I think it'll have to go.

All in all not a bad buy, I'm taking tomorrow off to go to the range so I'll have some pictures and a range report up tomorrow afternoon.

Edited to add: just pulled the pad and spacer and the stock has a 13 1/4" LOP without them. I'll likely either get a reproduction buttplate or put a nice NECG 1/2" red recoil pad on it for that classic Winchester look

That sums it up

Grew up shooting my dad's 61, which was his fave, inherited it and already passed it to the next generation. ENJOY!!

I need me a 61 and a 63......

Far from original but looks like a good deal to me. Expect it to shoot well. I wish I still had mine.

A friend of mine passed and his widow had me value and sell his firearms. In the lot were two 61s -- a Long Rifle and a 22 Mag. Both refinished - looked like new. They sure sold easy for waaaay more (especially the Mag) than Oregon45 paid!!

Aside from the added recoil pad, a vintage setup with that scope. I think you did fine.

Keep in mind that the Weaver 29 scope is worth quite a bit in its own right! You did great, and the gun is altered just enough that you don't need to feel guilty shooting the heck out of it!

(The bolt and locking system on the much later Win 9422 and 9322M are near copies of Mr. Johnson's Win 61--the 9422 is a "lever operated pumpgun." One reason it's so smooooooth!).

Thanks guys, here's some pics. I left the spacer on but removed the recoil pad. I've got a 1/2" red pad on order now.







The scope is a bit foggy but still useable; shot some silhouettes with it this morning and it worked fine. I removed it and shot with the open sights and it was a hoot! Good times, and the smoothest pump action I've ever used.

I have owned both the S,L,LR & the Mag. Great 22s; regret selling them years ago. Been looking for a sound shooter.

Oregon,

That is a sweet example, heirloom quality. Keep your eyes out for a Weaver J2.5 or J4. Best 3/4" scopes out there, but a little spendy.