Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade African .458 Win. Magnum 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $7,525.00
LSB#: LSB250512SG039
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 African Super Grade
Serial Number: 488732
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER ® MODEL 70 – 458 WIN. MAGNUM- / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. SUPER GRADE WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The left side of the chamber and the receiver are both marked with Winchester WP Proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the chamber ring is marked “488732”. The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-”. The grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.”.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Winchester Express Micro sight with a wide “V”-notch adjustable for elevation in a base screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled 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 select walnut with an ebony forend cap, capped pistol grip, double through-bolts, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece and orange rubber Winchester buttpad. There are Super Grade sling plates front and rear. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. There are a few minor handling marks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has a little minor wear and discoloration. The stock rates in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs.There scattered isolated areas of minor pitting on the receiver and at the barrel chamber. There is oxidation on the bolt. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good – 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 1960 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade African is an exceptional and increasingly rare example of a true purpose-built dangerous game rifle from the golden age of American sporting arms. Chambered in the mighty .458 Winchester Magnum and built on the revered pre-64 Model 70 action, this rifle was designed for serious hunters pursuing the largest and most dangerous game on earth—particularly in African safari conditions. Winchester’s Super Grade African rifles combined rugged reliability with elegant craftsmanship, offering superior performance and presentation in equal measure.
This example retains about 97% of its original finish, with minor signs of honest use including isolated pitting on the receiver and barrel chamber, and some oxidation on the bolt. The bore remains bright with strong rifling and only faint fouling near the muzzle, rating 9/10. The Super Grade stock features a select walnut profile with all the expected premium touches: ebony forend tip, dual through-bolts for strength, a shadow-line cheekpiece, and sharp checkering. The Winchester Express rear sight and hooded front bead are correct for the African variant, and the rifle is drilled and tapped for both receiver and scope mounts, offering flexibility for iron or optic use.
Pre-64 Super Grade Africans are among the most collectible of all Model 70 variants, and .458 Winchester Magnum examples are particularly sought after due to their limited production and big game pedigree. Whether you’re a serious Winchester collector, a dangerous game hunter preparing for safari, or an enthusiast seeking one of the finest factory big bore rifles ever produced, this Super Grade African is a rare and outstanding find. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
