From the Vault: Winchester Model 61 Rimfire Shotgun

Published on April 3, 2020
Duration: 3:34

This video showcases a rare Winchester Model 61 rimfire shotgun, a smoothbore variant designed to fire 22 shot shells. Presented by Kate Ford and Steve Ostrom from Rock Island Auction, the discussion highlights its historical context as a 'garden gun' for pest control and close-range plinking. The presenters note its smaller size compared to a Model 42 and its unique 'Rutledge bore' modification, which bored out the standard 22 rifle barrel to improve shot pattern performance at close distances. While acknowledging its collectibility and unique nature, they also point out the high cost of ammunition and the firearm itself, making it more of a collector's item than a commonly used shooter today.

Quick Summary

The Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotgun is a rare variant designed to fire 22 shot shells, often called a 'garden gun' for close-range pest control. It features a 'Rutledge bore' modification, which enlarges and smooths the barrel for better shot patterns at short distances. While historically useful, today they are primarily collector's items due to their rarity and the cost of ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction with Kate Ford and Steve Ostrom
  2. 00:15Introducing the Winchester Model 61
  3. 00:23Distinguishing from a standard 22 rifle
  4. 00:33Identifying the smoothbore barrel
  5. 00:40Purpose: Shooting 22 shot shells
  6. 00:49Comparison to Winchester Model 42
  7. 00:58Describing its use as a 'garden gun'
  8. 01:22The 'Rutledge bore' modification explained
  9. 01:36How the bore modification affects shot pattern
  10. 01:53Limitations: Close-range work only
  11. 02:01Historical uses: pest control, snakes, kids
  12. 02:24Rarity of modern smoothbore 22s
  13. 02:33Winchester's 9mm shot shell
  14. 02:41Collectibility vs. practicality today
  15. 02:50Cost of Winchester 61 Rutledge models
  16. 03:08Thanking Rock Island Auction House

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotgun?

A Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotgun is a rare variant of the popular Model 61 rifle. It features a smooth, unrifled barrel designed specifically to fire 22 shot shells, making it suitable for very close-range pest control or plinking, often referred to as a 'garden gun'.

What is the 'Rutledge bore' modification on a Winchester Model 61?

The 'Rutledge bore' modification on a Winchester Model 61 involves boring out the standard 22 rifle barrel to a larger diameter, typically around 5/16 inch, and making it smooth. This modification was intended to improve the pattern density of 22 shot shells at very short distances.

What were Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotguns used for historically?

Historically, Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotguns were primarily used as 'garden guns.' Their purpose was for close-range pest control, such as shooting small vermin or birds in gardens, or for general plinking and scaring away animals. They were also considered safe for children due to their limited range.

Are Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotguns still practical today?

While historically useful for close-range tasks, Winchester Model 61 smoothbore shotguns are generally not considered practical for modern shooting. Their appeal today is largely based on collectibility, as both the firearms and the specialized 22 shot shell ammunition can be expensive and difficult to find.

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