O.T. Winchester model 63?

[Lastmohecken]

I know this is not a leveraction, but I have been thinking about getting a Winchester model 63, .22 long rifle semi-auto. In my opinion, I just love the blue steel and walnut of the guns of the past, like this particular model which hasn't been made since 1958 except for a few reproductions.

Have any of you had any shooting experience with this model? I have never shot one but I sure do love the way they throw up, very natural. I may be mistaken but I think this is the same model that AL Topperwin shot all of those wooden blocks with, when he worked for Wnchester, but I might be wrong.

[mescalero1]

Is this the auto with a push rod under the barrel that is used to cock the gun?

[bogus bill]

I have one. They are a fine gun and I too wanted one for many years. I found a new one in the box with the hanging tags back in about 1971. It was made in 1958 right at the end of production, serial # 173404. I bought it new at the gunshop in lancaster, calif. Dont know how that happened or where it had been sitting. Should have asked jack first. I really havent shot it much, trying to keep it "as new". I probley have something like 5 boxs through it! One day I came home from work and found the carton for it doubled up in the garbage! My housekeeper had thrown it out!!

[mescalero1]

Yes, that is it.
Friend had one, can not remember ever having a problem with it.

[Gun Smith]

I think the model 63 was one of the finest 22's that Winchester ever made. It was expensive to manufacture as it is all steel machined. I love the way it rings like a bell when you shoot it! In the 50 years I've owned mine it has taken hundreds of squirrels and jack rabbits. It has never broken a part. Many were sold as replacements for the Model 90 and 06 gallery guns used in fairs and amusement parks. It has the magazine in the buttstock that allows the use of magazine tube loaders. The feeding is very positive due to this design feature. Yes, it cocks by depressing the plunger in the spring retainer tube below the barrel. Quality guns are pricey now, but great investments. The later models had grooved receivers for scope mounting. There is a replica out there also, but I don't know who makes it though. The picture above looks exactly like my gun.

[bogus bill]

Years ago taurus came out with a copy of it. Then I think winchester brought it back for awhile. Taurus may still be makeing their copy I think. Years ago I also owned several predacessers of the 63, the "03". They were built in .22 win auto. I had one that was converted to regular .22 LR.

[J Miller]

One day I came home from work and found the carton for it doubled up in the garbage! My housekeeper had thrown it out!!

I would have rescued the carton and thrown the house keeper out.

Joe

[Lastmohecken]

Years ago taurus came out with a copy of it. Then I think winchester brought it back for awhile. Taurus may still be makeing their copy I think. Years ago I also owned several predacessers of the 63, the "03". They were built in .22 win auto. I had one that was converted to regular .22 LR.

Yes, Taurus made them, I saw one new at a gunshow yesterday, and the price was pretty cheap. I was tempted but I think I will hold out for an original. Also, Winchester had a run made in Japan a few years ago, not sure exactly when.

[bogus bill]

Joe, that is a long sad story! Done what I could. Here is my war story. I was going through a messey divorice. Ex and I had a 7 year old daughter. I was fighting for custody. I was working graveyard and needed a nanny. Put a ad in the paper and got a english woman under "unusual" circumstances. If you ever watched "the nanny" on tv, I think the writer was spying on me and wrote the series! (glorified of course). "Martine" was built exactly like her and at a distance looked almost the same. I and my friends even called her "the nanny"! We had a arrangment where she worked downtown for her money, (ran a mens big & tall clothing store) that was very good for me! I furnished her a place to live and picked up the exspenses at home. Being english she had a acid critical attitude with me although her custommers and others thought she was sarah palin! We lived together about 13 LONG years! She got cancer and died at home with me nurseing her. I feel like Henery the 8th, as I have buried 4 women in my lifetime! A couple were close girlfriends. Things are fine now as I married a fine woman 5 years ago 17 years my junior, so this one should last and see me through my waneing years! Thanks!

[rangerider7]

I have one and it has the original contemporary German scope on it and it is very accurate.

[BobM]

A friend was given one once, along with a Match Target Woodsman, a Browning 20 ga semi-auto, and a 1911 Winchester shotgun, after helping his fiance's grandparents move.
We shot the .22s quite a bit, the 63 is a good handling rifle.

[2ndovc]

My Dad has one that belonged to my Grandfather. I've put a lot of rounds through that little rifle and am always amazed at what a super shooter it is. Accurate and reliable.

Wouldn't mind having one of my own.

jb