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Hello to the group and those that harbor the knowledge I am seeking.
First, I want to preface I am not currently interested in selling this rifle. It came from a collection of a world record holding trap shooter (set with Model 12’s I now own). In this collection is a 3 digit (9xx) Model 61 with period correct Weaver 4x scope and factory sling in 22 Win Mag R.F. and the gun is unfired. I also have the box, albeit in bad shape. My problem is the serial number indicates it was a first year manufacture of 1932 but was told that Winchester did not offer the Win Mag R.F. until 1960. Either someone is wrong or I have something really unique (I know having a first year issue Model 61 is very rare in and of itself). I can assure you it is original and untouched and I have a letter of provenance from the owner. He owned a sizable collection of Winchester rifles and shotguns, many of them prizes. If you google the Field & Stream September 1976 issue and look at page 103 you will see his name and accomplishments. I purchased his entire collection which included rare Marlin Marauder rifles (also unfired), several of his Model 12 in 12,16 and 20 gauge (including a model 12 with both trap and skeet barrels showing same serial numbers). As such I have no reason to doubt this gun is as described.
So, did they offer this chambering in 1932 and what is the insurable value of this rifle today………it is pristine!
Neal,
Someone is wrong (in your words). Your Model 61 rifle is not factory original if it truly is a 22 WMR. Serial numbers 900 – 999 were all manufactured in June of 1932. Winchester did not invent the 22 Winchester Magnum Rim Fire cartridge until the year 1959, and the first firearm to use it was the Model 61 in 1960… 28-years after your rifle was manufactured. Are you sure that it is not actually a 22 W.R.F. ? The 22 W.R.F. was the predecessor to the 22 WMR.
The Weaver scope is also very unlikely to be original to the rifle, and depending on what method was used to mount it, it could very negatively affect the value of the rifle.
Frankly, we need to see clear detailed pictures of the subject rifle before going any further.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert
I will get it out of the safe and look again. It may be the WRF. Supposedly it was offered up by Winchester at one of the meets. Jim held several records in Illinois and was honorable All American as well. I will try and get photos as well.
Hello,
Based on the data I have collected on almost 3500 Model 61 rifles the earliest .22 WRF rifle is in the SN 2700 range where they dominate production for the next 1000 rifles. The SN 900 rifles are almost all .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle chambers.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Mystery Solved…………..and sheepishly admitting to getting old….:-)
Serial #9xx belongs to a Model 75 with 8x Unertl and period correct sling….New
The Model 61 is serial #3462xx and I will try and download photos. New
I opened the safe to get the Model 61 out as well as my two Marlin Marauders that the Marlin collectors want photos of. As soon as I took those three guns out I saw the Model 75 and it hit me. I checked my safe inventory list and apparently had copy and pasted the serial number as I have all of my safes numbered so I know which guns are where. Sorry for the confusion, but nonetheless it is unfired and you will see by the photos a very clean specimen clearly marked 22 Win Mag R. F.
(someone may have to educate me on how to get photos on here as it has been a long time…..)
I clicked on the add/edit image and it brought up some box asking me for source, parameters, etc so unless someone can tell me how to upload a photo I cannot share the photos on my computer.
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