Winchester Model 61

Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1932

Also known as: Winchester 61, Model 61

Overview

The Winchester Model 61 is an American slide-action (pump-action) .22 rimfire rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1932 to 1963. Featuring a streamlined internal-hammer receiver, a 24-inch round or octagon barrel, and a takedown design operated by a large thumb screw on the left of the action, it fed from an under-barrel tubular magazine. Later production could interchangeably chamber .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges. A hammerless successor to the exposed-hammer Model 1890, it earned a reputation as a refined, accurate small-game and gallery rifle.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2580 g (91.0 oz)
Overall Length1016 mm (40.00")
Barrel Length610 mm (24.02")
Action TypePump Action
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity14 rounds
Magazine TypeTubular
Muzzle Velocity330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle Energy141 J (104 ft·lbf)
Effective Range90 m (98 yd)
Maximum Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 342,000 · Production years: 1932-1963

Produced across pre-war, post-war standard, and .22 WMR Magnum variants.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1963

Notes

About 342,000 units were produced over its 31-year run. A separate Magnum version chambered in .22 WMR was offered near the end of production for roughly three years. Tubular magazine capacity varies by cartridge: approximately 20 Short, 16 Long, or 14 Long Rifle.

Background

Introduced during the Great Depression, the Model 61 was the hammerless slide-action successor to Winchester's exposed-hammer Model 1890, and remains a prized collector's rifle among vintage rimfire enthusiasts.