Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 24” .30-06 Sprg Bolt Action Rifle, 1937
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS046
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 7181
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .30-06 Sprg
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded integral ramp with a beaded blade. 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 a scope base. There is a Buehler one piece scope base installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut with capped forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, raised cheekpiece, and engraved trapdoor steel buttplate. There are Super Grade style sling mounts. This appears to be a custom stock. There are a few repairs, by the receiver sight location, behind the tang, and at the toe. There are scattered handling marks, scratches and compression dents throughout. There are notable spots of wear on the right side of the forend checkering and left side above the trigger. Overall this stock rates in Good.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is very light erosion and pitting in the bore. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are previous mounting scope mounting holes on the left side of the action that have been plugged and the rifle has been reblued. There are scattered light handling marks, scratches, and light bluing wear; mostly on the leading edges. There is a notable spot on the top of the barrel in front of the forend. The bolt knob has been checkered and the bold handle is now polished in the white. The bottom metal has been engraved and has light bluing loss on the edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition for a refinish.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle appears to be functional. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This custom pre-64 Winchester Model 70 dates to 1937 and represents an early example of Winchester’s flagship bolt action rifle, produced during the formative years of what would become known as “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Early Model 70s like this were built on controlled round feed actions derived from the Model 54 and quickly earned a reputation for strength, reliability, and excellent handling. The 24 inch barrel and classic .30-06 Springfield chambering place this rifle squarely in the golden era of American sporting rifles, when versatility and rugged field performance were paramount.
Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the rifle reflects one of the most enduring and capable sporting and military cartridges ever developed. Adopted by the U.S. military in 1906, the .30-06 quickly became a benchmark for power, range, and adaptability, equally at home on the battlefield and in the hunting fields of North America. The bore on this example is bright with sharp rifling, showing only very light erosion and minor pitting with light fouling present, and it rates a strong 9 out of 10. The retained hooded front sight, combined with receiver and scope mounting provisions and a Buehler one piece base, reflect a thoughtful balance between traditional sighting and scoped use.
Overall condition is very good for a refinished custom rifle. Approximately 95 percent of the refinish remains, with light operational wear and scattered handling marks concentrated along leading edges. The action shows evidence of earlier scope mounting that has since been plugged and reblued, and the bolt handle has been polished bright with a checkered knob. The custom walnut stock, featuring Super Grade style sling mounts, a raised cheekpiece, and engraved trapdoor buttplate, shows repairs near the tang, receiver sight area, and toe, along with honest wear to the checkering. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, presenting this rifle as a well-executed period custom built on an early Model 70 action, blending prewar craftsmanship with practical sporting modifications. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
