Model 61 Dry-Fire Question | Winchester .22 Rim Fire | Forum

Several years ago, I inherited a Model 61 (LR) in pretty good condition, dating from the 1950s.  Unfortunately, the cartridge cutoff was worn and it would try to dump the entire magazine whenever the action was cycled.  I finally found the replacement part (unfortunately, not "factory original") and after some fitting issues got it to work as it is supposed to.  Also had to find a rear sight ramp, also not factory original (it was probably removed when a scope sight was installed).  The rest, I believe is still original, and it is a sweet little rifle.

Anyway, the question comes up about dry-firing.  In a lot of older rimfire guns, dry-firing is a big no-no, as it can damage the area where the cartridge rim rests in the chamber recess.  Since the way this rifle works makes it prone to a dry-fire every time you empty the magazine, I've got to ask if it was designed to prevent dry-fire damage?  Modern rim-fire rifles usually have a firing pin stop to prevent the pin from striking the breech-face.  Was the Model 61 so-designed?

Thanks in advance for any knowledge you can share on this.