This Winchester experimental prototype is a cross between the Model 42 and 61. The rifle was left in the white, is incomplete and non-operable. The barrel has no front sight provision and there is a milled dove tail rear sight seat. The rifle is 30 caliber and the chamber appears to be for the 30-30. The receiver is heaviest at the front and rear and these areas are incomplete as far as milling. These areas were machined last by Winchester when making receivers. The trigger guard is equipped with the standards Winchester cross safety and slide release. The front bottom of the receiver is marked "W.R.A. Co.". The bolt locking system is the same as other Winchester slide actions, however heavier. There is an open space for a takedown button and it appears that the rifle will takedown by sliding the assembly away from the receiver. The forearm is the only part of the gun that is complete, it is a 14 groove with a flat bottom and has two operating bars, similar to the Model 12. The stock has been band sawed to profile and had the edges rounded, and there is no buttplate. The rifle is accompanied by a copy of a purchase invoice to Norm Flayderman listing approximately 124 longs guns including this rifle listed as "Experimental Winchester pump action .30 caliber rifle Antique, incomplete; non-operable". There are two letters of correspondence on George Madis letter head, between and "C.H." and Mr. Madis. Also with the gun is an original typed letter from George Madis detailing this rifle in depth. According to the letter this rifle is discussed and mentioned in the confidential interoffice memo of December 13, 1944, covered in the book "The Winchester Sixty One" by C.H. Key. Madis concludes his letter by saying "Experimental guns are exceedingly rare, and this rifle, in my opinion, is a one of a kind Winchester, the only one like it in the world. A rifle such as this experimental model shows the direct relationship between the Winchester shotguns and the Model 61. This is the only slide action large caliber Winchester rifle, and because of this the gun is unique and priceless."

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube still remain bright with some scattered minor discoloration. The receiver has a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is also very fine with almost all of the original finish remaining and showing only a few minor dents and dings. The slide functions, but the rifle is probably not shootable. A great opportunity to own a one of a kind Winchester Experimental Prototype large caliber slide action rifle.