Whitworth InterArms Mark X African Series 458 Win Mag 24” Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,502.77
LSB# LSB250718LT128
Make: Whitworth InterArms
Model: Mark X African Series
Serial Number: B280205
Year of Manufacture: June 1985 (0685 Date Code on receiver, just forward of the bolt handle)
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal magazine and Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “CAL. 458 WIN.”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a series of proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “WHITWORTH / ALEXANDRIA / VIRGINIA / INTERARMS / MANCHESTER / ENGLAND”. The top of the receiver is marked “WHITWORTH”. The right side of the receiver is marked “B280205”. The right side of the receiver, just forward of the bolt handle under the stock, is marked with the date code “0685”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an express sight, dovetailed to a ramp, with two other flip-up leafs for 200 and 300 yards. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a case colored capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, rubber buttpad, and a capped forend. There are sling rings front and rear, with the front sling ring being mounted to the barrel. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light storage wear, with only a couple of minor pressure dents scattered throughout. Otherwise, the stock has no other notable wear. The finish is strong throughout. The wood grain is attractive and well defined. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued (Barrel/Receiver/Bottom Metal), Case Color (Grip Cap)
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling present. Likely from factory test firing. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no operational wear. There are some superficial imperfections on the metal surfaces from being stored in its factory styrofoam box throughout the years. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The case color on the grip cap is vivid and bright. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger pull is rather heavy, but it is user adjustable. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its original serial number matching box, and owner’s manual/paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Whitworth InterArms Mark X African .458 Win. Mag. is a superb, near-mint example that will appeal to both collectors and big-game hunters — it presents with approximately 99% original metal finish, a strong, sharp checkered walnut stock, and its original serial-number-matching box and paperwork which materially enhance provenance and value. The rifle’s 24″ barrel, express sights with flip leaves and the drilled/tapped receiver for optics make it equally useful on display, or in the field.
The .458 Winchester Magnum was introduced commercially by Winchester in 1956 as a controllable, bolt-rifle answer to the big-bore Nitro Express cartridges used on African dangerous game and was first chambered in Winchester’s Model 70 African rifle. It was intended to put classic big-bore performance (think deep penetration with heavy .45-cal bullets) into a modern, box-magazine bolt action.
Cosmetically the gun is excellent with only light storage marks from long box storage; the bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10/10 in my opinion, and all markings are crisp and legible. Mechanically the bolt, safety, and feeding work as they should; the trigger is on the heavy side but user-adjustable.
This is a desirable, ready-to-own Whitworth InterArms African-series rifle — great for the collector who values original finish and box, or the hunter seeking a reliable .458 platform. Expect strong interest given the condition and completeness; purchase for both use or display should be equally satisfying. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
