Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Target G7042CN 26″ .243 Win Bolt Rifle, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2650
LSB#: 210615WG03
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Heavy Weight Target Rifle, Catalog No. G7042CN
Serial Number: 389667
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U. S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, and “MODEL-70 – 243 WIN.-”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the left side of the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “389667”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 26″ Medium Heavy
Sights / Optics: There are no sights installed or included. The front of the barrel has two holes drilled, tapped and filled for mounting a front sight. The rear of the barrel and the chamber ring are each drilled and tapped with bases installed for mounting an optic. The bridge is drilled, tapped and filled. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting a receiver sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, a checkered steel buttplate, sling swivel mounted in the belly and another mounted to the 4″ accessory rail inlet to the beavertail forend. There is an additional sling swivel/hand-stop mounted to the accessory rail. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, the most notable in the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has light wear at the edge on the heel, minor tool marks around the mounting screws and a spot of minor oxidation in the sharp checkering. The stock rates in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few minor scratches and scuffs, most on the left of the barrel near the muzzle. The action shows light operational wear and there is minor handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. 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 vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Target rifle made in 1956 and chambered in .243 Winchester. The rifle has a medium-heavy barrel which leads to quite a bit of weight for such a small bore. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. The rifle has provision for mounting just about any kind of sight or optic you could want. Its long, heavy barrel and great bore should make for a tack-driver. The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 actions are prized by shooters and collectors alike for their smoothness and reliability, and this one is no exception. The .243 Winchester is based on the .308 case and takes advantage of the excellent ballistics found in projectiles from 6mm to 6.5mm (.243 being approximately 6.2mm). It is a very flat shooting cartridge compared to the larger .308 Winchester and is suitable for varmint with lighter projectiles and deer and even wild hogs with heavier bullets. It is also a good cartridge for long-distance precision due to its high velocity and excellent ballistics. With the heavier barrel of the model 70 Target, this rifle is probably more suited to taking out varmints from long range or precision shooting than hunting which will involve much in the way of tracking or stalking. In its condition it would also make a great addition to a Model 70 collection missing the .243 Target rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!