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Winchester Model 61 Hammerless Slide Action Rifle
The Model 61 was produced to fill a need for a hammerless slide-action rimfire rifle. SN 240351
Winchester (U.S.) Model 61 Slide-Action Tube-Magazine Rifle (repeater/ breech-loading/ smokeless powder/ cartridge ammunition) In response to demand for a 'hammerless' rim fire slide-action rifle, the Winchester Model 61 was developed and placed on the market in 1932. Rim fire ammunition is discharged when the gun's hammer strikes the rim of the cartridge, which is filled with fulminate of mercury.
Center fire ammunition have their fulminate of mercury primer located in the center-rear of the cartridge case. The former cartridge is cheaper than center fire ammunition, and, unlike center fire ammunition, it is limited to use in small caliber guns. The Model 61 was designed in the midst of economic disaster as an inexpensive firearm that could be used to gather small game or to kill predators. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #130