WinchesterOwners.com

Hey guys,

I recently inherited a Winchester model 61 that was made in 1941. It had been sitting in an attic for 30+ years unprotected. I cleaned off the dirt and dust along with some very light surface rust and it cleaned up pretty well.

I unscrewed the take down screw and tried to pull it apart, so I could clean and lube the insides but I couldnt do it. I spread some WD 40 in the areas where the two half's come together hoping the WD 40 would loosen it up but it did not work.

Then after couple of days letting the WD 40 soak in, me and my dad tried to pull it apart and it still did not come apart.

Im afraid that it is rusted shut. Is there anything else I could do?

[img][IMG]http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t657/deathbymilk/IMG_2331_zpsf5c0ba3b.jpg[/img][/img]

[img][IMG]http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t657/deathbymilk/IMG_2330_zps558f3c64.jpg[/img][/img]

[img][IMG]http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t657/deathbymilk/IMG_2329_zps29af0257.jpg[/img][/img]

Is the action still working freely? In the pictures I can see the takedown screw is still in it..It sure doesnt look rusted enough to be stuck..? Use care with wd 40 around the stock, it will remove finish and swll wood if left on it too long. Maybe worth more than you think... I'd guess $600 minimum in the condition I see from the pics. Good luck with it, nice little rifle.

The action is smooth and works fine. The take down screw can move and is not rusted stuck.

How far have you backed out the screw when you tried to take it down? I can post pics of mine with the screw backed off if you want to see how far it comes out before it will separate, if that would help.

I unscrew it as far as it can go.
If you can post pics of the screw out and of the two half's coming apart that would be great! I cant find any decent photos on the internet so for.

OK , I will try to get to it in a couple of hours when I get home from work.

Here's a few pictures of the model 61 takedown.

After the screw comes to the end of its threads it will pull out an additional 1/8" or so before it will disengage the receiver and barrel from the rest of the gun. The takedown screw has been pulled out far enough to disengage the receiver in the last picture.

I find it is easiest to take it down with the trigger guard pointing upwards, holding it this way won't allow the takedown screw to fall back in towards the receiver, holding it this way should allow you to separate it easier.

After the takedown screw is gently pulled out until it stops while holding the rifle with the trigger guard up, you should be able to pull the buttstock straight back away from the receiver until the takedown screw clears the receiver notch. (you can see the notch in the second picture).

I hope this helps you out somewhat.....

Another very helpful post skinner-t ... Thanks !!