Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 22″ .458 Win. Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1961 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1825

LSB#: 220428RJ003

Make: Winchester

Model: Custom Model 70

Serial Number: 532517

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “458 WIN. MAG.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof and“WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “532517”. The bolt has “532517” hand-scribed.

Barrel Length: 22″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base screwed to the barrel at the front. The base is grooved for a hood, but none is present. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 48 WJS receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a scope mount (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, black rubber Mershon Imperial White Line buttpad and sling studs front and rear. The barrel is bedded to the stock. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a filled hole behind the front sling stud. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 7/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Most finish is Original to the parts. The barrel is not original to the rifle. The extractor has been jeweled and the bolt face altered to accept the .458 Win. Mag. cartridge.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The barrel’s finish is strong throughout with only a few small marks. There is an indexing dimple on the bottom of the barrel in front of the forend. Most of the balance is light nicks and scratches on the bottom metal. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted 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, 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 which has had an after-market .458 Winchester Magnum barrel installed. Capable of pushing a 500 grain bullet up to 2,200 fps, this cartridge is suitable for the largest North American game as well as for the “Big Five” African game animals. Its current sight setup allows for fairly quick and precise sight acquisition, but the receiver is also drilled and tapped to accept the mount and optic of your choice. If you’re looking for a rifle that will take down the largest game or stop deadly predators, this is the gun for you. Please see our photos and good luck!

Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 22" .458 Win. Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1961 C&R
Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 22″ .458 Win. Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1961 C&R