Winchester Model 70 M70, Sharp Nice Wood Pre-1964 Blue 24″ Bolt Action, Internal Mag. Fed Rifle, MFD 1948 C&R
Sold For: $1,432.00
LSB#: 170116MH01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 83389
Year of Manufacture: 1948 (http://proofhouse.com/win/index.html)
Caliber: .270 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MODEL 70 / 270 W.C.F.”, with a “WP in oval, found again on the left of the receiver which is also marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, the right has the serial number at the 1.60″ forward ring; the bolt body is etched with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed onto a serrated ramp base, that is fixed to the barrel and covered with a blue sight hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf that is adjustable for elevation and is in a slide-step elevator that is dovetailed onto the barrel. The receiver has 4 drilled and tapped holes without their filler screws.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The walnut stock has a semi-pistol grip and two swivels installed. The flanks of the forend and grip are checkered and the comb is fluted. The stock has a scrape on the right flank at the plate, the left has a gouge. A few areas of rub and compression are seen in the checkers. There are no cracks or major damages, the stock has fancy grain patterns and fits the metal very well. The LOP measures 13 1./2″ from the front of the serrated trigger to the back of the blue metal butt plate; the plate has pitting and rub removal of the finish on the outer edges. We have seen this happen in high condition pieces that have been stored in their factory box for most of their lives; the plate is in Good condition. The stock rates in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its finish. The right at the muzzle has a patch of surface etching, seen in smaller form on the magazine floorplate. The top of the barrel has a series of chatter marks, the top of the receiver has light wear from a previous mount. The rifle looks to have seen minimal use. It is in excellent condition for its age; the butt plate, as mentioned, has spots of pitting, indicative of storage in factory boxes of the era. The bolt body shows light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt has a 3-position safety. The trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: You are bidding on a pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 with a 24” blued barrel chambered in .270 Win. with nearly all of its finish remaining; Pre-1964 Model 70 rifles are considered to be some of the best made bolt actions of all time, with hand-fit and finished parts. This rifle looks to have seen light use in its life and is almost a page out of pre-WWII era rifles manufactured by the famous repeating arms manufacturer. Those interested in a vintage hunting rifle that is still ready to roll with big game should consider this beauty but we would not be surprised if the collectors found this worthy of the apex of their collection. Please see our pictures and good luck.
