Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .243 Win 22″ Bolt Action Rifle 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,002.00
LSB#: WY250415EC006
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 70 Featherweight
Serial Number: 371184
Year of Manufacture: 1956 (C&R Eligible)
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “.243 WIN.” and “MODEL 70 – FEATHERWEIGHT”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” and the right side is marked with the serial number “371184”. The left of the barrel and receiver show Winchester proof marks.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped base. The receiver is topped with Burris scope bases and fitted with a vintage Redfield 6x scope with a fine crosshair reticle. The scope shows clear glass and is in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut Featherweight stock with a straight comb, and Decelerator recoil pad. There are a few faint compressions and tiny handling marks, but no cracks or chips are visible. The checkering is sharp and well defined. The LOP measures 13 78″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle feeds from a 5-round internal magazine with a hinged floorplate.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish shows only the faintest operational handling wear around the bolt knob and trigger guard. There are a few minor scuffs along the barrel from field use. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are crisp and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a mounted Redfield 6x scope and Burris bases. No box or additional paperwork is included.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is an icon of American hunting rifles, combining the legendary pre-’64 Model 70 action with a lighter profile for easier field carry. Introduced in 1952, the Featherweight quickly gained favor among mountain and plains hunters for its balance of accuracy, reliability, and portability.
This example, manufactured in 1956 and chambered in the flat-shooting .243 Winchester, would make an excellent choice for varmint and medium game alike. The pre-’64 controlled-round feed action, coupled with a crisp trigger and a clean Redfield 6x scope, makes this rifle both practical and collectible.
For the hunter who appreciates classic craftsmanship or the collector seeking a fine example of Winchester’s golden-era rifles, this Featherweight has much to offer. Its excellent condition, clear optics, and matching bolt elevate it well above the average field gun. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
