Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight G7020CN .308 Bolt Rifle, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220517EB011
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight, Catalog# G7020CN
Serial Number: 370551
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER-MODEL-70-FEATHERWEIGHT- / -TRADE MARK-MADE IN U.S.A.-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / -308 WIN.-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “370551”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “551”.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notched leaf with white diamond aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The leaf can be inverted to present a “V”-notch. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Weaver bases installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a checkered black aluminum buttplate, straight comb, pistol grip and sling swivels mounted on the underside of the forend and in the belly. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small chip-loss at the bottom-front edge of the grip. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, most notable at the heel, with well defined checkering. The stock rates in Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Black Alloy Floorplate/Trigger Guard Assembly
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 1.25.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with spots of finish wear on the top and left in front of the forend. The receiver has scattered light finish wear. The floorplate is mostly worn to white with finish remaining at the rear. The trigger guard has some minor nicks along the edges with one more notable nick on the bottom. The action shows operational wear and the bolt knob is mostly worn to white. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 Featherweight bolt action rifle made in 1956 with a 22” barrel chambered in .308 Winchester. Winchester developed the .308 cartridge with the U.S. military for adoption by NATO as the 7.62x51mm, designated T-65 during development. The .308 would go on to be the parent case for both .243 and .358 Winchester, forming a new family of cartridges for the Model 70 and the lever-action Model 88. This is a classic American rifle in a classic caliber, perfect for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!