Winchester Custom Shop Model 70 .358 STA 24″ Stainless Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4,241
LSB#: 200430DC39
Make: Winchester Custom Shop
Model: Model 70
Serial Number: G299255
Year of Manufacture: Ca. Late 1990s to Early 2000s
Caliber: .358 S.T.A., .358 Shooting Times Alaska
Action Type: Controlled Feed Bolt Action with Internal Magazine with Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER MODEL 70 358 S.T.A.- / –MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A–”. The top of the chamber is marked with an ovalled “WP” proof and an ovalled “C / GS” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / –TRADE MARK–”. The right side of the receiver at the chamber is marked “G299255”. The underside of the bolt body is marked “9255”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade set into a slotted serrated ramped riser set on the barrel. The riser is currently installed with a circular protective hood. The rear sight is an express sight with three flip-up flat top leaves with vertical aiming reference lines. At the rear of the sight is a fixed shallow “V” notch with a vertical aiming reference. All four sights are housed in a fitting that is dovetailed into a base that is screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is installed with two-piece Leupold QR bases.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with stainless steel capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, inelet stainless sling swivel mounts, two floral motif recoil crossbolts, and a black Decelerator buttpad. The forend checkering is one section that wraps around the bottom. There are some draglines and minor compressions, some of the most noticeable are on the right side of the forend along the top edge. There are some spots where the finish has lifted off the wood, most noticeable on the buttstock around the rear edge where it meets the pad, on the right side about in line with the rear crossbolt, and next to the front sling swivel mount. There are a few marks which have resulted in finish loss, the most noticeable on the left side between the two recoil crossbolts. There are a few light compressions, most noticeable around the floorplate but they are very small. The checkering is intact and attractive with only light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grain is absolutely beautiful, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the high resolution photos. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and 12 ¼” to the back of the wood. The pad shows light wear at the heel and toe. The stock is in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless with Blued Sights and Scope Mounts
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some rubs that have resulted in smooth spots. The most noticeable are located on the first 4” of the barrel from the muzzle. Some of the smooth spots in the first 4” have taken on a slightly grey hue. There are some draglines on the barrel. The floorplate has some light rub marks. The trigger has some rub marks and a tiny smooth spot that has taken on a slightly dark greyish hue. The receiver has some light handling wear and some rubs and there is a smooth spot on the left side in line with the rear scope base. The jeweled controlled feed bolt has standard operational wear. The screw heads are faintly worn with strong slots and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions normally. This rifle employs controlled round feeding and a three-position safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 70 custom shop rifle of which it is reported only 90 were made. It has a 24” barrel, jeweled Pre-64 style bolt with a knurled knob, a checkered walnut pistol grip stock with a straight comb, and a stainless finish. The rifle is in about Fine Plus-Excellent condition with 97% of its finish remaining. The .358 Shooting Times Alaska was introduced in the 1990s by gun writer Lane Simpson and is an 8mm Remington necked up to .358 caliber. It is capable of delivering very fast kills across the widest possible range of game body weights. The Alaskan is also blessed with a .270 Winchester like trajectory, even though the BC’s of this caliber are generally rather mild. This is a classic American rifle that was built by the custom shop of one of America’s premier manufacturers. It is exceptionally rare and is something you certainly need to bid on if you are a fan of Winchesters. From the beautiful grain in the walnut stock, inlet swivel mounts, engraved recoil crossbolts, all steel bottom metal, express sights, jeweled Pre-64 bolt, beautiful stainless finish, and precise fit, this thing screams quality and would be a welcome addition to any collection. This is a very nice looking rifle, so please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!!