Winchester Model 70 .243 Win Pre GCA GCA68 Bolt-Action Rifle, MFD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 211020GE09
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 912543
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: Left barrel shoulder marked “—MADE IN U. S. A.—”, “—WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “WINCHESTER® MODEL—70–.243 WIN.–”. Receiver left side marked “WINCHESTER / —TRADE MARK—”. Chamber ring right side marked with serial number, “912543”. Bolt underside marked with serial number, hand-scribed “912543”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/Optics: The barrel is drilled, tapped, and filled at either end for mounting iron sights (none included). The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled with two-piece rails for mounting a scope (no scope is included).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece press-checkered wood capped pistol grip, fluted Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, and a checkered synthetic buttplate. There is a minor loss in the toe of the buttstock. There are sling swivels on the belly of the buttstock and the underside of the forend. The stock has just a few minor marks, the most prominent of which are nicks and compressions on the comb and cheek piece. The press-checkering is well-defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has intermittent nicks along the edge and minor scuff wear at the heel at toe. Overall, the stock rates is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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. Very minor nicks can be seen on the barrel, primarily on the top near where the iron sights would be installed. The receiver has taken on a very light plum hue and has a few light scuffs. The bolt has very minor operational wear. There is a small cluster of nicks that go through the finish on the magazine floorplate. Screws are sharp. Markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a three-position safety on the right-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, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Model 70 includes its serial-matching factory cardboard box and various factory paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: This is a nice looking Winchester Model 70 rifle made in 1968, during the transitional period that saw Winchester reorganize and revise processes in order to stay afloat. This Model 70 has all the hallmarks of those cost-saving measures, exempli gratia the simpler push feed bolt vs. the control feed, press checkered stocks, synthetic buttplates, and so on. Also of note, this is one of the last Model 70 rifles with the classic serial numbering system. In 1968, the Gun Control act stipulated that all guns had to have unique serial numbers, and the Model 70 would see the addition of a G prefix. This example, despite being made in 1968, does not have that prefix. It has a 22” barrel and is chambered in .243 Winchester cartridge. The rifle is in Fine-plus condition with very little wear, the bore is bright with sharp rifling—a handsome, classic rifle from a dynamic period in Winchester’s long history. Good luck and happy bidding!