Winchester Model 63
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1933
Also known as: Winchester 63, Model 63 Self-Loading Rifle
Overview
The Winchester Model 63 is a blowback-operated semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Introduced in 1933 to compete with Remington's Model 24, it was an evolution of Thomas C. Johnson's earlier Model 1903 self-loader, rechambered from the proprietary .22 Winchester Automatic to the standard high-velocity .22 LR cartridge. It feeds from a 10-round tubular magazine housed in the buttstock, uses a takedown design for cleaning and storage, and became a popular sporting and plinking rifle until production ended in 1958.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2495 g (88.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 584 mm (22.99") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 10-Round Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Takedown Design, Tubular Magazine In Buttstock, Operating Sleeve Under Forearm, Open Sights, Grooved Receiver For Scope Mounts (Post-1946)
Production
Estimated total produced: 174,692 · Production years: 1933-1958
Approximately 174,692 rifles manufactured over the production run.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Thomas C. Johnson
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Early rifles used a 20-inch barrel; a 23-inch barrel was introduced in 1934 and became standard after 1936. Post-1946 production featured a grooved receiver for scope mounting.
Background
A refined and elegant plinker of the mid-20th century, the Model 63 carried Winchester's classic squared-receiver self-loading styling into the era of standardized high-speed .22 LR ammunition, and remains a prized collector's rifle today.