Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Varmint G7012CN .243 Win. Bolt Rifle, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2030
LSB#: 210615WG04
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Varmint, G7012CN
Serial Number: 419889
Year of Manufacture: 1957
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 “419889”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 26″ Medium Heavy
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes at the front for a front sight (none present). There are scope bases installed on the rear of the barrel and the chamber ring. The bridge is drilled, tapped and filled. 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 checkered walnut with a pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, a checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels mounted front and rear. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has wear and some oxidation at the heel and toe with well defined checkering. The stock rates in Very Good 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 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has a patch of finish wear on the top between the forend and muzzle. There are a few other scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on 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 Varmint rifle made in 1957 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 just about any kind of sighting system you would want to install, but no sights or optics are installed or included. 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 Varmint, 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 Varmint rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!