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I have a chance to bid on a Model 61 WMR, serial #296363 (1960 I think) at an auction tomorrow A.M. I inspected it today and would guess its condition at about 92-95%, blueing seems to be original and lettering sharp. Both front and rear sights are intact; buttplate appears original. A few nicks and wear marks in stock, but no gouges, cracks or splintering. No Box or papers. I’ve read that only about 125,000 of these were made between 1960-1963. I just do not have a good handle on what a reasonable bid should be. Would appreciate any education/assistance on this, thanks.
Farmboy,
I’ve been on the lookout for a nice Model 61 in .22 Win Mag RF since January. I’ve seen hammer prices without buyer premium of $1,750 to $2,300 at auction in Virginia and Pennsylvania in general condition as you described. The price appears to be trending upward. Rock Island had several in early May $1,725 to $2,070.
I’d appreciate any feedback on the 61 you are after (location, hammer price). Good luck.
Mac
Mac—thanks for your thoughts. I probably won’t go that high, but will gladly post here the winning bid price and any additional information about the gun that comes to light.
Col—the selling price of the subject 61 Mag was $1,200. I was NOT the buyer, because also at the auction was a mint Colt pre-series 70 National Match .45 ACP—equally as desirable and, in this area, also very hard to find. Faced with a difficult choice, I bought the Colt. I thought the 61 sold for a reasonably good price but unfortunately, I was unable to buy both just now. Best of luck in finding yours!
Farmboy said
I have a chance to bid on a Model 61 WMR, serial #296363 (1960 I think) at an auction tomorrow A.M. I inspected it today and would guess its condition at about 92-95%, blueing seems to be original and lettering sharp. Both front and rear sights are intact; buttplate appears original. A few nicks and wear marks in stock, but no gouges, cracks or splintering. No Box or papers. I’ve read that only about 125,000 of these were made between 1960-1963. I just do not have a good handle on what a reasonable bid should be. Would appreciate any education/assistance on this, thanks.
Hello Farmboy,
Sorry for being late to the party with this information. The .22 Magnum configuration of the Model 61 was introduced during mid 1960 around SN 284000 and continues until the Model 61 was discontinued in 1963 near SN 349300. During this time period a total of 65207 Model 61’s were produced as either magnums or standard Short, Long, LR rifles. The Percentage of magnums in the period is around 68%. Therefore the total magnum production is A LOT closer to 44,750 rifles than 150,000! That said these are FAR from rare by any measure.
If the condition of the auction rifle was as nice as you say then the $1200 price was a good deal.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Good information to know, MIchael, hopefully I’ll encounter another opportunity to pick up a 61 mag at a price I can live with. Those are quality rifles.
The two 61 magnums above sold for $1,400 and 1,350, plus buyer’s premium. I am not sure what the onsite premium was, but at 10% both would be in the $1,500.00 range. Hope this helps.
Kevin
And this one in very nice condition just sold on Gunbroker for $1350.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Here is one in the ballpark of what we have seen. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles-model-61/winchester-model-61.cfm?gun_id=101232546
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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