Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Westerner-Alaskan .300 Win. mag Rifle, 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1844.78
LSB#: 210524NB01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Westerner-Alaskan, Catalog No. G7036
Serial Number: 560236
Year of Manufacture: The serial number was applied in 1962, this model was only offered in 1963, so the receiver was likely made prior to the introduction of the Westerner-Alaskan and this rifle was probably assembled with initial production of the Style.
Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U. S. A.- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “-WINCHESTER MODEL — 70 300 WIN. MAGNUM-”. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the left of the receiver’s chamber ring are marked with ovalled “WP” proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side of the receiver is marked “560236”, found again hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There is a dovetail base for a front sight, but no sight is present. The base is serrated, ramped, and has grooves for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch sight with a white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optic mounts (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand-checkered walnut with Monte Carlo comb, pistol grip, ventilated orange rubber Winchester recoil pad and sling studs front and rear. There is a repaired hole behind the front sling stud, likely indicating that it has been re-located. There is a small loss in front of the rear stud. The stock has several scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with areas of thinning finish, most notable at the rear edge of the stock. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The recoil pad has light wear and has hardened slightly with age. The stock rates in about Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion near the muzzle. Our bore gauge measures a ME of 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the bottom metal. There are a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The top of the receiver has light wear and some adhesive residue from previously installed optic bases. There is minor wear on the left-rear from a previously installed receiver sight. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety has three positions, forward is Fire, all the way to the rear locks both the bolt and trigger, in the middle the trigger is locked, but the bolt can be operated. 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: The .300 Winchester Magnum caliber was authorized in September 1962, with rifles of standard grade only first shipped in early 1963. These rifles were known as Westerner-Alaskan rifles with 4,916 having been manufactured. This is a fairly early example, with the serial number applied in late 1962. It has a folding rear sight dovetailed to its boss on the barrel, but the front sight is missing from its base at the muzzle. There is also provision for mounting a scope or a receiver sight, giving you lots of sighting options. This would still make for a great hunting rifle today, with .300 Win. Mag. being a popular cartridge for larger game such as Moose and Elk. That said, the pre-64 Winchesters are very collectable, and this Westerner-Alaskan model is rare, accounting for less than 1% of total pre-64 Model 70 production. Whether you’re a hunter or a collector, this classic American rifle would be great to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!