[Instructor]

Subject rifle was given to me by retired Doctor who used the rifle as a kid on the farm he lived on in Virginia many years ago. Unfortunately, he did not take care of his firearms as much as he did his patients for the bore was dirty as could be and after some time able to clean it up to where you can actually see the rifling in the bore. Took it to the range and test fired it and actually shot fine considering what it had been through, but there is a bulge in the barrel some 4-5" back from muzzle. Discussed this with qualified builder of barrels and he advises if it shoots to your satisfaction leave it alone. Well, it does shoot fine, but would like to source another barrel for it but to no avail. Rear stock and forearm need replaced due to rough handling and both are split, but I can repair that with some work and not a serious matter for me. How the bulge got into the barrel not sure, but it does not seem to prevent it from shooting OK. I would like to find another barrel and a gunsmith that could change out the barrel, any ideas as to who to contact on this situation??? All help appreciated.

 

[Mad Trapper]

Not a gunsmith and can't source you parts.

When you ran a tight patch in the barrel could you feel a loose spot going down the barrel in the area of the bulge?

 

[Instructor]

Actually, did not feel anything other than normal when cleaning the bore but I am in the process of removing all the old finish on the metal parts and doing so on the barrel is when the swollen place shows itself. The accuracy for a very basic open rear sight/blade front sight is quite good and may well be attempting to solve a problem that does not exist??
Thanks for the reply.

 

[wiz1997]

I love these old Winchesters, I have two Winchester Model 74's (22 semi auto) and a Model 70.

Spent some time looking for a barrel for your Model 63 and it's been a tough one.

I was going to provide the link to the story of what I went through to find the parts I needed for my 74's, but the search will only go back to a certain point.

A neighbor found a rifle under the rock wool in the attic of a house that was being "dismantled".

I bought it from him for $50.

Basically I found a place to get parts, then found a parts gun on GB, so ended up with two 74's and spare parts.

Some of the parts are from a different model, but they are the same.

Found some history about your M63.

The original design was the 1903, chambered in Win 22 Auto, which turned out to be not so popular.

Then they changed the chamber/barrel to .22LR, and kept the rest of the rifle as it was, so all the parts from a 1903 will work in your M63, except the barrels are different.

Of course, the barrel is what your looking for.

I found a site that shows they have two barrels for semi autos, but they don't give a lot of information, actually practically none.

Might be worth contacting them.

I compared the exploded parts picture from Numrich to the picture this site has, I'll make no determination.

Search results for: 'long guns kits winchester 63 semi auto blued 12373' | EveryGunPart.com

everygunpart.com

This site has all the parts that both the 1903 and the M63 have in common.

Winchester 63, 1903 .22 semi-auto rifle

jackfirstinc.com

This site gives a brief history of how the 1903 became the M63.

Plinker From Yesteryear: The Elegant Winchester Model 63 :: Guns.com

For 25 years, Winchester made a terrific self-loading takedown .22LR rifle, the Model 63, and it still remains a hit with collectors today.

www.guns.com

.

You may need to go to the Winchester Collectors Web site and ask over there.

I've found some complete rifles going for impressive money.

One was a 1958, adververtised as never fired, still in the box for $5000.

Most of the others all ranged from $1200 and up depending on condition.

Probably should find a gunsmith that can evaluate the barrel and the overall condition before spending time and money looking for a barrel.

From the pictures I've seen on the web, that is a sweet looking rifle.

But, we still haven't seen any pictures of yours.

Here are my two.

Same Model 74, just different years of manufacturer.

Only the stocks are different.

 

[Ted Brown]

Barrels may be available from Gun Parts Corp. (Numrich). I have some very good used wood for the 63. Email me.

 

[Jackofalltrades03]

Actually, did not feel anything other than normal when cleaning the bore but I am in the process of removing all the old finish on the metal parts and doing so on the barrel is when the swollen place shows itself. The accuracy for a very basic open rear sight/blade front sight is quite good and may well be attempting to solve a problem that does not exist??
Thanks for the reply.

If he was abusing it as a typical kid, he probably stuck it in a pond or something shooting fish or just a splash factor.