Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 22” .220 Swift Bolt Action Rifle 1952 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,325.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS080

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Standard Rifle

Serial Number: 203670

Year of Manufacture: 1952

Caliber: .220 Swift

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Barrel Length: 22″ cut down from 26″

Sights/Optics: The front sight has been removed and holes plugged. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for scope mounting. 

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a custom one piece, skip line checkered, raised comb with cheekpiece, Schnabel forend tip, capped pistol grip, and Pachmayr recoil pad. There are scattered handling marks, scratches and compression dents throughout. There are sanding marks under the finish visible near the recoil pad. There is some notable damage or alteration near the receiver sight hole. There is a repaired chip near the bolt handle. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is erosion in the bore. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light spots of bluing loss from corrosion. There is minor blurring of stamping from buffing. There is minor scratching on the left sight of the receiver ring. There is minor wear on the bolt knob. 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: None.

Our Assessment: This custom pre-64 Winchester Model 70 dates to 1952 and reflects the period when the Model 70 had firmly established itself as the premier American bolt-action sporting rifle. Built on Winchester’s controlled-round-feed action, these early Model 70s are prized for their reliability, strength, and smooth operation. This example has been modified from its original configuration, including a barrel shortened to 22 inches, resulting in a handier, more compact rifle that still retains the core mechanical qualities that define the pre-64 era.

Chambered in .220 Swift, the rifle is associated with one of the most influential high-velocity varmint cartridges of the twentieth century. Introduced in the 1930s, the .220 Swift became synonymous with flat trajectory and long-range precision. Despite the shortened barrel, the bore on this example remains bright with sharp rifling, showing erosion but retaining strong definition, and it rates a solid 9 out of 10. The removal of iron sights and the drilling and tapping for optics reflect a deliberate shift toward scoped use, consistent with mid-century varmint and predator hunting practices.

Overall condition is very good for a refinished, custom-configured rifle. Approximately 90 percent of the refinish remains, with light corrosion-related bluing loss, minor buffing blur to some markings, and small scratches on the receiver ring and bolt knob. The custom walnut stock, featuring skip-line checkering, raised comb with cheekpiece, schnabel forend tip, and Pachmayr recoil pad, shows scattered handling wear, sanding marks near the pad, and localized repairs near the receiver sight area and bolt handle, all consistent with a period custom build. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the three-position safety operates as designed. This rifle presents as a thoughtfully modified pre-64 Model 70 that balances classic Winchester action quality with mid-century custom sporting aesthetics. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF