So I expect to be crucified for this post but I figure you all are the best source so I'll take whatever rocks are thrown.
I have a 1953-manufactured Winchester 61 that I inherited from my grandfather when he passed. Three generations of my family learned how to shoot with this rifle and there's *all* of the nostalgia that comes with it along with being a damn fine little shooter. It's one of those "will never be sold" because I'd fully expect to be haunted to the rest of my days, considering there's a 4th generation coming soon that needs to be taught.
I wouldn't even think it's worth enough to even consider selling it. The bluing has turned into a brown patina and it's not uniform. Functionally it's 100% though, and it's got matching serials on both halves of the takedown unlike so many of these.
One thing my grandfather and I always talked about was he regretted not getting one with the dovetail mounts in the top of the receiver. Pop's been gone almost 2 years and I think it's time to honor his wishes. Does anyone know of a smith preferably local that could mill a set of factory-type dovetails in the receiver? I really want to put a little low power rimfire scope on our 61.
Obligatory gunporn:
I have a 1953-manufactured Winchester 61 that I inherited from my grandfather when he passed. Three generations of my family learned how to shoot with this rifle and there's *all* of the nostalgia that comes with it along with being a damn fine little shooter. It's one of those "will never be sold" because I'd fully expect to be haunted to the rest of my days, considering there's a 4th generation coming soon that needs to be taught.
I wouldn't even think it's worth enough to even consider selling it. The bluing has turned into a brown patina and it's not uniform. Functionally it's 100% though, and it's got matching serials on both halves of the takedown unlike so many of these.
One thing my grandfather and I always talked about was he regretted not getting one with the dovetail mounts in the top of the receiver. Pop's been gone almost 2 years and I think it's time to honor his wishes. Does anyone know of a smith preferably local that could mill a set of factory-type dovetails in the receiver? I really want to put a little low power rimfire scope on our 61.
Obligatory gunporn: