Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade G7054C .30-06 Bolt Rifle, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3525
LSB#: 230120JC001
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade (Symbol No. G7054C)
Serial Number: 99098
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action 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-“, and “MODEL 70- .30 GOV’T’06.” in front of the rear sight boss. The left-rear of the barrel is marked with an ovalled “WP” proof, found again on the left of the receiver’s chamber ring. The left of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “99098”, found again hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt (the scribing is worn and not clearly visible). The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-” (note the “A” is upside-down, see Our Assessment).
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has been removed, with a bland dovetailed to its boss at the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting an optic (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, black nosecap, straight comb with European-style cheekpiece, steel checkered buttplate, and Super-Grade style sling plates inlaid front and rear with Super-Grade QD swivels. The stock has a few scattered light nicks and scratches, most notable on the left between the receiver and floorplate and in the belly around the rear sling swivel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some minor wear and spots of light oxidation at the heel, with well defined checkering. The stock rates in Fine-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the trigger guard. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches with a spot of wear on the top-rear of the barrel from a previously installed sight or optic. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield and made in 1948. The Super Grade has nicer-grain wood with a nosecap, grip cap, cheekpiece and nicer checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles.
This example is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen limited and responsible use in the field, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. It is also something of an interesting piece due to the “SUPER GRADE” marking on the floorplate. Many of the pre-war and early post-war Super Grades have been observed with subtle differences in the size or orientation of some characters, frequently with a larger “P” and “A” as well as an “S” which appears upside-down, though with an “S” it still looks kinda right. This strongly indicates that the individual character dies were stacked in the stamping equipment rather than it being a one-piece die. That being the case, we believe that the upside-down “A” on this Super Grade’s floorplate is the result of a factory error, making it quite an interesting piece for the collectors. Pre-64 Model 70s have significant collector interest, and the Super Grades even more. Something like this making it past the factory inspectors isn’t going to be found every day. That said, it would still make a nice hunting rifle, today.. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
