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July 12, 2019
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I’ve got a Model 61 that was passed down to me. It was my grandfather’s. Serial number shows mfg in 1956 and it has a Weaver 4K scope and has been fitted with sling mounts. Can anyone tell me if the rifles were factory tapped for scope mounts as well as having the sling mounts added, or were those after-market add-ons? It’s one of the most beautiful weapons in our collection and I was curious to learn about it as I wasn’t 3 when grandad died in ’64.
Any info that is shared is greatly welcome. Thank you.
April 15, 2005
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I do not believe that Winchester ever drilled & tapped the Model 61 for mounting a scope. What they did do, was mill grooves in the top of the receiver frame specifically for mounting a scope. I do not believe that sling mounts were factory installed either.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 17, 2012
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Bert H. said
I do not believe that Winchester ever drilled & tapped the Model 61 for mounting a scope. What they did do, was mill grooves in the top of the receiver frame specifically for mounting a scope. I do not believe that sling mounts were factory installed either.
Bert
They were special order but Winchester did offer dual sight mounts for the Model 61 from 1937 to about 1941. The dual sight Model 61s came equipped with the standard open sights and were drilled and tapped for the Winchester #5 front and #5 rear see-through mounts. Those factory equipped ‘scoped models came with a Winchester 5x scope. They are readily identifiable since the barrel proof is offset to the left side so as not to be obscured by the rear mount. Not many were made.
If your Winchester dates to 1956 it was not one of those factory equipped ‘scoped variants.
Also, Winchester did offer screw eye sling swivels as a factory option for the Model 61 butt stock (and other .22 models) but again, they are very rare and usually undocumented. I don’t recall seeing a factory option for a sling swivel on the front of the Model 61. The vast majority of Model 61 sling swivels were added by the end user.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
March 20, 2009
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Morgan said
I’ve got a Model 61 that was passed down to me. It was my grandfather’s. Serial number shows mfg in 1956 and it has a Weaver 4K scope and has been fitted with sling mounts. Can anyone tell me if the rifles were factory tapped for scope mounts as well as having the sling mounts added, or were those after-market add-ons? It’s one of the most beautiful weapons in our collection and I was curious to learn about it as I wasn’t 3 when grandad died in ’64.
Any info that is shared is greatly welcome. Thank you.
Hello Morgan,
I am working on a research survey of the Model 61’s and would love to add your grandfathers rifles into the data base. Can I please get the full SN and some photos of it? My email is [email protected]
Thanks so much for the help
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
July 12, 2019
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Thanks a bunch for the feedback on this, fellas. I do see that the Winchester stamp on the barrel is just slightly covered by the front mount base. The front sling mount is a wrap around type which is fixed to the tube magazine. Pics coming at you, Twobit/Michael, via email.
Thanks a bunch!!!
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