I know that Model 70s dominate this subforum. I am putting a 1930s era Winchester 61 on layaway today. I am buying it for $750.00. It has a couple of scratches on the receiver but it looks like it has mainly just been a safe queen forever. Its serial number is 734X so I think that it is of early manufacture. It also has a rounded top rather than the grooved top that was easier for scope mounting. I have quite a few 94s, 71s, 70s, prewar 70s, Pre64 70s, Model 52s but I don't have a 61. I see the prices for far less gun in more questionable condition as being higher on GI and GB. Everything is straight and tight. I am just wondering what other people think of them.

That's an early First year 1932 mfg. Model 61. Caliber? .22 S, L, LR, WRF, or Mag. Cal.
Sound to me like you've done very well on the $$.
A lot of fun to shoot and Collect!
Would love to see pics!

HS 58

I'm not much for any sort of pump rifle, but had to make an exception for the 61 I've had for many years. I think mine's a late 1940's model. It's quite accurate, my #1 criteria for any rifle. I paid little for mine; it was in with six or seven other long guns when purchased. I don't believe I had ever seen or heard of a 61 previously. I'm not up on prices and have little idea what these guns sell for, but to reproduce a gun like the 61 with metal and wood and quality work today would cost a lot more than most would pay for a .22.

The Model 61 was derived from the Browning Trombone Model originated as another John Browning Design.

HS 58

They're way up there on my lengthy wish list of Winchesters. At the top of .22 list. I'd like to see pictures too.

An ungrooved 61 isn’t that hard to scope if you have a competent gunsmith that can drill and tap the receiver. Actually I think it looks even better than the later grooved 61’s with a scope. I have a 61 and a 2-7x33 Leupold Rimfire and that competent gunsmith. The Weaver base chart calls for the rear base on the receiver and the front base on the barrel. I got looking at that scope, turrets, eye relief and that receiver and didn’t see why one of those rear bases couldn’t also be used as a front base on the receiver. My gunsmith thought the same thing and it works perfectly with that scope mounted low.

I grew up with an open sighted Winchester 62A and enjoyed looking down into the action chambering cartridges. The eyes and mentality of a 12 year old perfectly content with open sights have aged into thinking that a scoped 61 would be way better.

Sounds like a great buy!

My Father has a 61 22 Mag that is his favorite by far. He refuses to scope it even though it is "grooved." It is no wonder that no one can make anything similar nowadays in a mainstream production rimfire... too much machining, engineering, and attention to detail. It would have to be a "custom" at custom prices. I would rather have the 22LR version like yours but if given the choice would take the grooved receiver for my personal interests. Those early Winchesters are in a class of their own, though.

IMHO, I would not let that redhead from the bank know you own that!

I thought the Remington Model 121 was derived from the Browning Trombone.

Possibly! Don't know!
John Browning influenced a lot of people!

HS 58

I don't know of any JB statues standing anywhere but there should be. Maybe in St. Louis or Ogden, Ut.

Great man with great and visionary ideas... no way they would probably recognize that in today's St. Louis and a statue would probably come down pretty fast. Same with all the firearm pioneers and "greats." Someone would probably drive up from SLC and tear down an Ogden statue, too.

Very True! Unfortunately your correct on your sad statement.
I was unwinding last night and decide to put on the TV and hit YouTube and watched Fess Parker do a Special on John Moses Browning early 90's). A very nice Story for those who are interested whether you read his story or not as I have. It was a nicely done up Bio of John and his Family background and History. I know I've seen it before but I refuse to watch the daily Garbage on TV!

HS 58

I have a few 61's. Great rifles , fun to shoot, very well made. Some one suggested you have it D&T'd for a scope. That would be a big mistake.

The 61's in the last few years of production chambered a .22 Mag. Winchester brought out the .22 Mag in '59...the last of the 61's were a year or 2 later.

You did alright.

In the 70's I bought a fresh 61 from my neighborhood friend for $40 (his dad had ditched the family leaving a nice firearms battery behind), and gave it to my dad for his birthday. Dad didn't blink that 13 year olds were engaging in the gun trade (he was a WWII vet), just smiled and thanked me. We shot it a bit.

When my dad died I got the .22 back and tracked down the old friend offering it back to him for a 45-year inflation adjusted price (about a third of then-current values). To this day it is one of the only things from his father he possesses.

cisco,
I have to agree with you I would not do anything to this particular early highly collectible Model 61 meaning "do not scope it"!
I also like to shoot them besides collecting as another one would and can be scoped for shooting!
Their just not making any more Originals!!!
HS 58

Great Story!
I admire you for what you did.
Thanks for Sharing.
HS 58

Great story. Awesome, classy gesture. Damn fine thing to do.

I grew up shooting an M61, second gun I used after a cool little Remington single shot. I picked up a M61 several years ago. Checkered stock - one of very few I have ever seen- maybe the only one. Any chance it would have come that way from the factory?

If it may be factory checkering, I should probably sell it. If not, thinking about having it restored for my 12 year old son.

Some would consider it sacrilege, but if I have it restored, I may shorten the barrel a bit. Think it would actually be more fun that way.