Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 26″ .375 H&H Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3225
LSB#: 230130DF004
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 70
Serial Number: 493152
Year of Manufacture: 1960, we do not know when this rifle was customized.
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26?
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade in-line dovetailed and screw-est to a banded, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is an express-style sight with one fixed and one folding leaf, neither are notched. The sight is dovetailed to a quarter-rib mounted to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Talley bases installed. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered select walnut with ebony nosecap, capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, black rubber Kick-Eez buttpad and a sling stud mounted in the belly (there is another stud banded ot the barrel in front of the forend. The stock has a repaired chip-loss at the rear of the trigger guard. Otherwise, it only has a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 13″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and is still supple. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The finish is Original to the parts, the barrel is not original to the receiver.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 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 bottom metal. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the right side of the receiver. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back halfway, 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, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a custom Winchester Model 70 built on a Pre-64 magnum receiver. The rifle has been equipped with a new barrel chambered for .375 H&H and has been bedded to an attractive walnut stock. It retains its original serial-matching bolt. The result is a nice magnum rifle which should be suitable not just for large North American game, but also for your next safari. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
