Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Westerner Bolt Rifle, MFD 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2501.01
LSB#: 220117RW026
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight Westerner, Product No. G7065
Serial Number: 553884
Year of Manufacture: 1962, First Year Offered
Caliber: .264 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “-MODEL – 70 – FEATHERWEIGHT- / MADE IN U.S.A.-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, and “-264 WIN. MAGNUM-“. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and 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 “553884”, also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 22?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch sight with white triangle aiming reference, adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage in its dovetail on a boss at the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting an optic. The left of the receiver at the rear is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver-sight mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, ventilated orange rubber Winchester recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has only a few scattered minor nicks and light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has minor wear and is still supple. The stock rates in about Excellent 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. The barrel has only a few scattered minor marks. The bottom metal has faint wear. The action shows light operational wear with minor handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads are lightly tool marked but have strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the right side of the receiver. 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: This rifle comes with the installed bases and rings.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Westerner rifle chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum and made in 1962, the first year this model was offered. The rifle was part of the introduction of Winchester’s belted magnum cartridges in the late ’50s and early ’60 with less recoil and higher velocities than the others. With its high velocity and excellent ballistics coefficient, the .264 Win Mag is not only suitable for any game animal in North America, it makes a fine long-range target rifle as well. This is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. That said, the Featherweight Westerner was only produced for about a year and a half, accounting for just over one half of one percent of Pre-64 Model 70 production, so it will be a great addition to a Winchester collection, especially in its high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!