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I have decided that I want to buy either a Model 61, 62, or 62A .22 rifle and would like some opinions. Is one more reliable than the other? I’ll be using this rifle for small game. There are things I like about both the 61 and 62 so I am having a hard time deciding. As you know, These rifles are quite a financial investment nowadays so I cant buy one of each ; ( Thanks in advance.
Cliff said
I have decided that I want to buy either a Model 61, 62, or 62A .22 rifle and would like some opinions. Is one more reliable than the other? I’ll be using this rifle for small game. There are things I like about both the 61 and 62 so I am having a hard time deciding. As you know, These rifles are quite a financial investment nowadays so I cant buy one of each ; ( Thanks in advance.
If you are going to hunt with one, the best choice would be a late M61 with a grooved receiver so you could mount a scope without ruining a nice rifle.
If you intend to use iron sights, a real nice M62 would be my choice. I like the hammer types. A little safer. Big Larry
Thank Larry. Yes..I should have mentioned that I will be using the iron sights, not a scope. I kinda like the hammer too.
In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with either. To me, both are the high marks when it come’s to 22 pump action rifles. It come’s down to which type you prefer and like.
Steve
For overall ruggedness and reliability I would go with the 62 or 62A (only difference being the main spring) If you want a scoped rifle the 61 makes more sense with the grooved receiver. On the other hand if you are not worried about collectability and only want a shooter a drilled and tapped 62 can be bought for substantially less money than a “collectible”
They are both fine rifles and you can’t go wrong with either choice……….
Ern
I appreciate all of the advice! I decided to go with a 62A and was fortunate to find a beautiful 1951 62A in 95% condition. It is a beauty. I’ll take some nice outside pictures when the rain goes away and start a thread in the rimfire section but, here is a peek. Thanks!
Great find! A real looker! Plus, it ejects upward. I don’t know why, but I just like the rifles that kick the empties out the top. Saw a trick shooter, when I was a kid, that would eject and the shoot the empty cases out of the air. I never had the courage to try that, but thought it was cool. RDB
Ive enjoyed shooting both the 61 and the 62A and found them to both be VERY accurate and reliable as they come…….the strange thing is that I happend to spend a couple of afternoons with, of all things a Rossi pump gun that was a copy of the 62 and that thing shot incredibly well……a fluke? Perhaps but it sure as heck surprised me. Rossi of course discontinued the rifle which was a huge mistake in my opinion but then they also discontinued one of the best “coach guns” ever made in their Overland side by side shotguns……..some very peculiar folks must live in Brazil
Anyway, both Winchesters are incredible rifles and anyone should be proud to own one..it mainly comes down to whether you want a hammer or not
Speaking only for myself, the Winchester Model 61 is the finest 22 Rimfire Repeating Rifle ever made.
It is a natural pointer and I’m sure you will find it very effective and accurate with both Iron Sights or Scope.
I still have a Model 61 that my father taught me to shoot with more than 50 yrs ago – he bought it new in 1952.
This rifle went everywhere, did everything, and never let us down.
The 22 S,L & LR Model will provide maximum versatility with all loads ( even CB Caps and Shot ).
And, if you can lay your hands on a 22 WMR you have added killing power for small game, varmints and other predators.
Both are great rifles, but the 62’s design has some of its roots dating back 130 years, whereas the 61’s design came along 40+ years later as a greatly improved product. So, there’s a lot of nostalgia that the Model 62 offers…and yours looks to be a real beauty!
Enjoy!!!
James
David McNab said
Speaking only for myself, the Winchester Model 61 is the finest 22 Rimfire Repeating Rifle ever made.It is a natural pointer and I’m sure you will find it very effective and accurate with both Iron Sights or Scope.
I still have a Model 61 that my father taught me to shoot with more than 50 yrs ago – he bought it new in 1952.
This rifle went everywhere, did everything, and never let us down.
The 22 S,L & LR Model will provide maximum versatility with all loads ( even CB Caps and Shot ).
And, if you can lay your hands on a 22 WMR you have added killing power for small game, varmints and other predators.
November 7, 2015
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Jay-
You revived a zombie thread with nothing to add? I feel pretty sure Cliff has managed to add a 61 to his stable by now but if not he made an excellent choice with the 62A as there wasn’t a bad one.
M8ke
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