Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 26” .220 Swift Bolt Action Rifle 1952 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS133
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle
Serial Number: 230448
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an integral ramp with a dovetailed beaded blade. The front sight is hooded. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U notch. There are 2 holes from a non-factory sight drilled and tapped in front of the factory rear sight. The receiver has holes drilled and tapped in the left side for a receiver sight. The top of the barrel is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. There is a Bausch and Lomb Balsix B scope mounted in Redfield rings and bases. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivels front and rear, and a black rubber recoil pad. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. There are handling marks, scratches, and light compression dents.There are minor spots of finish loss scattered throughout. Overall this stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scattered scratches, most notably on the barrel, The bolt knob has worn mostly silver. There is light operational wear on the bolt. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good condition
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear rear of the control feed bolt. Pushed to the front the safety is OFF, pulled to the rear the safety is ON, locking 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, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Scope as described above.
Our Assessment: This pre-64 Winchester Model 70 dates to the early 1950s and represents a classic example of Winchester’s flagship bolt action sporting rifle at the height of its reputation. Often referred to as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Model 70 earned its standing through controlled round feed reliability, excellent balance, and thoughtful safety design. The 26 inch barrel configuration reflects Winchester’s emphasis on velocity and accuracy, particularly for high performance varmint cartridges, while the retained factory iron sights speak to the rifle’s versatility during a period when many shooters still valued backup sighting systems.
Chambered in .220 Swift, this rifle is associated with one of the most influential high velocity cartridges of the twentieth century. Introduced in the 1930s, the .220 Swift set velocity standards that defined long range varmint shooting for decades. The bore on this example remains bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, rating an excellent 9 out of 10. The rifle is equipped with a Bausch & Lomb Balsix B scope mounted in Redfield rings and bases, a period-correct optic combination commonly encountered on serious varmint rifles of the era, though optical function has not been verified. The presence of additional drilled and tapped holes reflects common mid-century sighting modifications made to tailor rifles for specific shooting needs.
Overall condition is very good for a C&R example. Approximately 80 percent of the original blued finish remains, with scattered scratches on the barrel, silvering on the bolt knob, and light operational wear consistent with normal use. The walnut stock remains attractive, retaining crisp hand checkering and showing only handling marks, light compression dents, and minor finish loss, with no structural issues noted. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the three-position safety operates as designed, locking the bolt and trigger or allowing controlled bolt manipulation. This rifle stands as a well-preserved and historically representative example of a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in the iconic .220 Swift chambering. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
