Winchester Model 60

DadsMod12 · February 12, 2021, 09:29 PM

When my mother-in-law moved out of her house after 60 years she gave me a Winchester model 60. My best guess is it hasn't been fired for at least 50 years. She said up until 5-8 years ago she would clean and oil it every year. My question is what do I need to check on before I take it to the range. The bore looks good.

Thanks, Dan

10-96 · February 12, 2021, 09:59 PM

That was pretty much bare bones, not a lot of parts, put a rabbit on the table kind of rifle Winchester made during the depression years. It's a solid and durable little rifle. You've already made sure the barrel is clear. If the bolt works smoothly, about the only thing to check might be the area around the chamber to make sure someone hasn't dry-fired the snot out of it. Make sure the screws holding the barrel/receiver, and stock are tight. Beyond that, the wood might be getting dry by now, a feller might rub some ballistol into the wood and onto the metal for preservation. Shoot it, and see how it does. You might stick to regular velocity .22's and leave the Stingers for more modern rifles, but that would just be a personal thing.

KCRaider21 · February 12, 2021, 11:33 PM

Give it a solid cleaning and go out and shoot it.

RickB · February 13, 2021, 12:12 PM

My brother has our grandfather's Model 60, and it's story was very much like yours; stored for a few decades before seeing the light again when grampa passed.
It doesn't get shot a lot, but has had a few rounds through it every year for 20+ years.
It was an inexpensive gun at the time, but well made.
Give it a good clean and lube, and fire away.

**4V50 Gary** · February 13, 2021, 01:04 PM

Clean it. Shoot it. It has been better cared for than many other guns.

**Unclenick** · February 13, 2021, 03:36 PM

The only thing I can think of to add is that if oil got into the bolt it is possible it may need disassembly and cleaning. Springs will take a set over a period of time, so if it refuses to fire rounds regularly (after cleaning out) then the mainspring may need to be replaced. But I doubt it. The Win Model 57 I shot a lot as a kid still works just fine and is of similar vintage.

February 12, 2021, 09:29 PM	#1
DadsMod12 Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 19	Winchester Model 60 When my mother-in-law moved out of her house after 60 years she gave me a Winchester model 60. My best guess is it hasn't been fired for at least 50 years. She said up until 5-8 years ago she would clean and oil it every year. My question is what do I need to check on before I take it to the range. The bore looks good. Thanks, Dan

February 12, 2021, 09:59 PM	#2
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	That was pretty much bare bones, not a lot of parts, put a rabbit on the table kind of rifle Winchester made during the depression years. It's a solid and durable little rifle. You've already made sure the barrel is clear. If the bolt works smoothly, about the only thing to check might be the area around the chamber to make sure someone hasn't dry-fired the snot out of it. Make sure the screws holding the barrel/receiver, and stock are tight. Beyond that, the wood might be getting dry by now, a feller might rub some ballistol into the wood and onto the metal for preservation. Shoot it, and see how it does. You might stick to regular velocity .22's and leave the Stingers for more modern rifles, but that would just be a personal thing. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

February 13, 2021, 12:12 PM	#4
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	My brother has our grandfather's Model 60, and it's story was very much like yours; stored for a few decades before seeing the light again when grampa passed. It doesn't get shot a lot, but has had a few rounds through it every year for 20+ years. It was an inexpensive gun at the time, but well made. Give it a good clean and lube, and fire away. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong. Last edited by RickB; February 13, 2021 at 02:27 PM.

February 13, 2021, 01:04 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	Clean it. Shoot it. It has been better cared for than many other guns. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

February 13, 2021, 03:36 PM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The only thing I can think of to add is that if oil got into the bolt it is possible it may need disassembly and cleaning. Springs will take a set over a period of time, so if it refuses to fire rounds regularly (after cleaning out) then the mainspring may need to be replaced. But I doubt it. The Win Model 57 I shot a lot as a kid still works just fine and is of similar vintage. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 12, 2021, 11:33 PM	#3
KCRaider21 Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Posts: 78	Give it a solid cleaning and go out and shoot it.