Winchester Model 70 Target Rifle .30-06 Sprg. 24″ Bolt Action, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 220520WB006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Target Model
Serial Number: 86966
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle 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-“, “MODEL – 70 – 30-06 SPFLD. -” in front of the rear sight boss and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof at the rear, found again on the left of the receiver’s chamber ring. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “86966”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “86966”.
Barrel Length: 24? Medium Heavy
Sights / Optics: The barrel is installed with two male dovetail bases, one at the front and the other at the rear. The chamber ring is installed with t a male dovetail base. The left side of the receiver is installed with a base for an aperture peep sight. The rifle is installed with a Unertl 10 power scope. There are some scattered little scuffs and a few areas of faint surface oxidation. The scope has a dotted crosshair and the glass is clear. The scope rates in Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, monte carlo comb, and an aftermarket buttpad. The stock is either a replacement or has been modified at the tang, there is epoxy around the tang, the stock was previously used with a receiver that had a large tang. There are holes in the belly and forend from previously installed sling studs. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are some scattered scratches and nicks. There are some areas of finish loss and thinning, most noticeable on the buttstock at the rear. The checkering is mostly strong but has some scattered nicks and compressions. The LOP measures 13 1/2? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 12 1/2″ to the wood. The pad has some scattered light wear and discoloration. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There are a few small patches of minor surface erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 88% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little marks through the finish and spots of thinning. There are some spots of minor oxidation and some scabbing, the most noticeable are on the right side of the barrel at the objective lens bell of the scope. There is some finish wear on the edges. The bolt handle has finish loss. There is light handling and operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear rear of the bolt. Pulled to the OFF, pushed to the front the safety is ON, locking 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: Included is the previously described scope and a hard case.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. It has proven itself decade after decade and is well-deserving of its moniker “The Rifleman’s Rifle”. This example is one of the Target Models with a 24″ medium heavy barrel chambered for .30-06 Springfield. The rifle has been installed with an Unertl scope and this is a timeless classic setup. The rifle has some wear and light damage to the stock, but retains its original finish and still looks good. It has strong mechanics and a nice bore. Ammunition for this rifle is (usually) readily available in a variety of loadings and makes for a wonderful target rifle. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or just want a great target rifle, this will be a great gun to add to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck! Good luck and happy bidding!