Winchester Model 70 Davenport Custom .375 H&H Mag Bolt Rifle 1998
SOLD FOR: $4525.22
LSB#: 230109RB024
Make: Winchester
Model: 70. Customized by Sterling Davenport of Tucson, AZ.
Serial Number: G2558809
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The top of the replacement barrel is marked “Sterling Davenport Tucson AZ”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER”. The right side receiver has the serial number “G2558809”. The rear of the bolt has the last 4 digits of the serial number “8809” inscribed by an electric pen. The right side of the barrel shank is marked “375 H&H Mag”. The recoil pad is marked “Decelerator”. The front scope base is marked “1” and the rear is marked “2”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 inches to the end of the ported barrel.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set atop a ramped base and under a protective hood. The rear sight is a V notched blade that is set into the barrel’s raised 1/4 rib
Two scope bases are attached to the top of the receiver by screws.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The custom checkered one piece wood stock has a pistol grip with checkered grip base, raised cheek piece, dark nose and a rubber recoil pad. The recoil pad shows scuffs and light discoloration. There is a sling point on the bottom of the buttstock and on the barrel ring. The wood shows a few scrapes & handling marks. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stock rates is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued. Jeweled Bolt
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore shines. The rifling is sharp & deep. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The front sight band shows spots of discoloration. The remaining metal shows light handling marks. The action shows minor operational wear. Screws are sharp. The 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 control feed 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: The rifle has 2 small scope bases installed on the receiver.
Our Assessment: This Davenport Custom Winchester Model 70 is chambered in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. It is a beautiful rifle with a custom ported barrel and custom hardwood stock. The rifle started off as a standard Model 70 in 1998. It was eventually customized by Sterling Davenport of Tucson, AZ.
Davenport began his career as a custom gunmaker in 1975 after retiring from his day job as a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy. Having already learned much of the trade as an apprentice to master gunsmith Aaron Gates while he was stationed at the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, CA.
Building on his naval MOS as an aviation metalsmith, Davenport worked part-time for Otis Martini at the Accuracy Gun Shop in San Diego in the early ’60s. But it was from his mentor, Gates, that Davenport learned to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of the American Classic style of rifle.
Davenport differs from many custom builders in that he is a complete gunmaker — stockmaker, metalsmith and finisher.
This is an impressive Davenport Custom for the big game hunter.
…Now go shoot something!
