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Old January 1, 2013, 02:25 PM   #1
Elker_43
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The Winchester Model 63

Over my 70 years I have shot many 22 semi-autos both for plinking and hunting small varmints. One of the more unique designs was the Winchester 63. From loading the 10 round magazine through a slot in the stock to chambering the first round with a quick backward pull and release at the front of the forearm, this little beauty has balance and accuracy. It is my all-time favorite.
I believe that they were first built and sold in 1933 and discontinued in 1958. I also understand that there are new market remakes out, however I have not tried them and if remade the same as the originals, they will probably be just as sweet as the originals.
If you have another 22 semi that you really like, or if you like the 63, let me know and we’ll chat.

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Old January 1, 2013, 02:31 PM   #2
Elker_43
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Wrong forum!!!

Looks like I entered this in the wrong forum subject....I don;t know how to move it to the semi-auto section....sorry
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Old January 1, 2013, 08:25 PM   #3
kraigwy
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I have a lot of 22s but only one semi and that is a Winchester 63, a companion to my pump Win Model 62.

For as old as it is, its supprising how accurate and reliable my '63 is. Don't seem to want to jam regardless what ammo you put through it.

Started my kids out on my '63 & 62.
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Old January 4, 2013, 09:50 AM   #4
hodaka
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I once had a Winchester 63. Shopping for another now.
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Old January 4, 2013, 02:25 PM   #5
Elker_43
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I love the picture! Was this you with the 63?
Once again, the model 63 was and is the finest semi-auto 22 ever made in my considered opinion....In all my years, not once have my 63's failed me. Jams or misfeeds are unknown with the 63.

Does anyone have any interesting tales or bad experiences with the 63?
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Old January 4, 2013, 06:32 PM   #6
hodaka
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Yes, circa 1958 in Alabama. Good 63's are around $1K now. I wish I would have picked one up a few years ago when I was seeing them for half that.
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Old January 5, 2013, 02:25 PM   #7
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My father gifted me his childhood rabbit gun. A well worn but well cared for Winchester 63. I'd love to make a "takedown" case for it. Cool how it comes apart.
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Old January 5, 2013, 02:38 PM   #8
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I had a Model 63 for a long time, they're okay. I like the Remington 241/Browning 22 Auto better though. I also prefer the Remington 121 and the Winchester Model 61, but other than those four, the Winchester Model 63 is right up there. At least as far as .22s from days gone by go.
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Old January 5, 2013, 02:39 PM   #9
Chettt
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Love the photo hodaka. Thanks for sharing.
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Old January 5, 2013, 11:12 PM   #10
Elker_43
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Model 63 Operators manual

Winchester has a great manual on-line for the model 63 if you need one. Click on:

http://media.winchesterguns.com/pdf/...anual_om_s.pdf

Fisheman66 - I too have thought about building a case for my best 63....Any up front thoughts as to how to proceed?
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Old January 6, 2013, 09:40 AM   #11
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Elker, I think it might be easier to find a shotgun case and adapt it for the 63.
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Old January 6, 2013, 11:52 AM   #12
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Quote:
Good 63's are around $1K now.
I've always been interested in getting one just to enjoy the unusual manual of arms. But I'm not going to pay that kind of money. I'm not a Winchester collector. After all, the M63 was originally an inexpensive rifle used at carnivals and fairs. So has anybody got any actual hands on experience with the Taurus M63? No pride of ownership there but at least I could have fun playing with it! (Unless they don't work!!)

Gregg
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Old January 7, 2013, 05:45 PM   #13
Elker_43
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Cost and Clones

tulsamal,
You are right about the cost for an excellent condition 63 if you want to collect, however, they will be 200 to 500 dollars less if you wish a shooter.

Out of the five that I own, three of them I shoot regularly and the other two are in excellent collectors condition so I need to keep them in the condition they are currently in.

I also have not had the opportunity to shoot the new 63 clones that have been on the market or the new market 63 made by Winchester. They probably will al perform as good as the originals, so if $$ is the situation I would opt to buy the clone and just have fun.
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Old January 1, 2019, 10:14 AM   #14
Newtire
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Once I learned that I had to push and release the loading button quickly, it was a reliable .22.
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Old January 10, 2019, 08:03 PM   #15
Drm50
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I have a 63 and bought it used back in 60s. It's one of my two dozen keeper 22 rifles. It's
in top shape original condition. A buddy of mine bought the clone a few years ago because he liked mine and didn't want to pay for a original. He kept it a couple months before he offed it. He had function trouble and it wasn't that accurate.
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Old January 11, 2019, 03:17 PM   #16
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Had mine out last week. My favorite .22
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Old January 12, 2019, 09:28 AM   #17
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Mine is my only .22 rifle


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