#279 • ** Rare Final Year Production Factory Engraved Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 61 Rifle

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $8,500.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.22 Win Mag caliber, 24" barrel length, S/N 343479 over "A". This is an extraordinary piece of Winchester firearms history. A factory-engraved Winchester Model 61 from its final year of production (1963) is an absolute pinnacle piece for Winchester collectors. Due to the fact that standard production Model 61s were strictly utilitarian, "working man" slide-action .22 rifles, any factory embellishment is incredibly rare. Blue finish with extra deluxe stock and forearm with fleus de lis checkering. Winchester hard rubber buttplate and pistol grip cap. The frame is fully scroll engraved with a panel of a gold squirrel with gold circular border and the opposite side with a gold rabbit and matching circular gold border.  Gold bands decorate the muzzle the back of the breech. Front blade sight and rear notched sight. This rifle is like new condition retaining nearly all the blue finish that highlight the gold and engraved frame. The extra deluxe checkered wood is exceptional.  Retains all the gold inlay and is a great example of a final year production and special order Winchester Model 61.