Winchester Model 70 .300 Win. Mag. Western Alaskan, Pre-1964, Blue 24” Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Scope, MFD 1963 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,000

LSB#: 171020MB12

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 70 Western Alaskan

Serial Number: 572034

Year of Manufacture: 1963

Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U. S. A. / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “WINCHESTER  MODEL — 70   300 WIN. MAGNUM”. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the top of the receiver’s chamber ring are marked with ovalled “WP” proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side of the receiver is marked “572034”.

Barrel Length: The barrel is 24” in length and has a standard Winchester crown.

Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for an iron front sight. There is a blank marked “REDFIELD” in what would have been the rear sight dovetail, cut in a barrel band at the front of the scope. There is a Redfield 3-9X variable power scope mounted to the top of the receiver with a one-piece Redfield mount and rings. The reticle is a fine cross-hairs and the lenses are clear and free of distortion. The power ring is a little stiff, but does turn throughout its full range. There are a few light marks in the objective and the rings. The scope is in about Fine condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand-checkered walnut with a lacquered finish, Monte Carlo comb, pistol grip, and solid red rubber recoil pad marked “WINCHESTER” that is mounted with a black spacer. The stock has beautiful fiddleback patterns running through the buttstock, so please see our pictures! There are only a few light marks in the stock. The checkering on the left side of the grip is sharp, and the remainder shows light wear without mars. The LOP measures 13 9/16” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The recoil pad has a few cracks around the lower mounting hole, and it is slightly bulged at the heel from the rifle sitting on its butt. Otherwise, the pad shows minimal wear and is still pliable on its edges. The pad is in about Fine condition. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: The finish is blued, with a black matte finish on the receiver. The bolt is jeweled.

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. Our bore gauge measures a ME of -0.2.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a light mark in the top and another in the side of the barrel about half way from the muzzle to the forend. The bolt handle shows thinning, there is a light mark at the edge of the port and two tiny light marks at the left rear of the receiver. There are a few tiny marks in the trigger guard and a mark through the finish at the hinge of the magazine floorplate. The safety serrations are sharp. The trigger guard and magazine floorplate screw heads are distressed. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety is a little stiff to engage but pushes OFF easily. 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: The scope and its rings and mount are included.

Our Assessment: The .300 Winchester Magnum caliber was authorized in September 1962, with rifles of standard grade only first shipped in early 1963. These rifles were known as Westerner-Alaskan rifles with 4,916 having been manufactured. This is one of those rifles. It has a correctly marked barrel with a barrel band at the rear with a dovetail for a rear sight, but the front sight is missing, with no marks that it was ever installed. This leads us to believe this may have been a special order to get it without a front sight. There are only a few light marks in the rifle, but the bolt handle shows thinning. It comes with a vintage Redfield 3-9X variable power scope mounted on a one-piece Redfield mount. The pre-64 Winchesters are very collectable, and this Westerner Alaskan model, made the first year it was offered, is rare. Considering the outstanding condition of this rifle, we expect the Winchester collectors to be very active in their bidding.

Winchester Model 70 .300 Win. Mag. Western Alaskan, Pre-1964, Blue 24” Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Scope, MFD 1963 C&R
Winchester Model 70 .300 Win. Mag. Western Alaskan, Pre-1964, Blue 24” Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Scope, MFD 1963 C&R