Rare Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 National Match G7091C Bolt Rifle, 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3237
LSB#: 210615WG05
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 National Match, Catalog No. G7091C
Serial Number: 145696
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (.30 Gov’t ’06)
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle 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-“, “MODEL 70 – .30 GOV’T.’06-” in front of the rear sight boss and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof, found again on the left of the receiver’s chamber ring. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “145696”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “145696”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman 77R globe-style sight which accepts interchangeable inserts, currently with an aperture post installed. The sight is dovetailed to a low-profile textured base forged to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetailed boss at the rear of the barrel which is currently filled with a blank. The barrel just in front of this boss and the chamber ring are each drilled and tapped with male dovetail optic bases installed. The bridge has one drilled, tapped and filled hole. The left-rear of the receiver has a Lyman 48WH receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. Both of the installed sights were factory options from Winchester for this model.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, a sling swivel in the belly and another mounted to the 4″ accessory rail inlet to the forend. There is an additional sling swivel/handstop installed on the rail. The stock has a few scattered minor marks. There is one ding and a scratch in the comb. There is light wear at the toe. 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 plate has minor wear, mostly around the edges, with sharp checkering. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The receiver is slotted for use with clips. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pushed to the front, the safety is OFF. Rotated 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: This rifle comes with the installed sights as described.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 National Match. Despite being offered for more than twenty years, from 1937-1959, only 1971 of the National Match rifles were made, accounting for about one third of one percent of Model 70 production through 1964. Equipped with Lyman 77R and 48WH target sights, both a factory option for the National Match, this rifle is also ready to accept a variety of other iron or optical sights. The rifle is in great shape, still retaining a strong bore and mechanics, so it should make for a great shooter, even at more than 70 years old. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest in general and this rare National Match would be an excellent addition to even an advanced Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!