Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 26” .220 Swift Bolt Action Rifle 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS134
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle
Serial Number: 278349
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights/Optics: The sights have been removed. The integral ramp is still present for the front sight. The rear sight dovetail has been plugged. The receiver has been drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none installed). The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for scope bases.
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 checkered plastic buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are handling marks, scratches, and light compression dents. There is a notable set of dents on the bottom of the forend by the sling stud. There are scattered spots of finish loss from wear. Overall this stock rates in 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 8.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The bluing has worn to a blue gray. There are scattered handling marks and scratches throughout. There is thinning on leading edges, especially at the muzzle. The floorplate has notable scratching and wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in 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 pre-64 Winchester Model 70 dates to 1953 and represents one of the most respected bolt action sporting rifles of the twentieth century. Often referred to as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Model 70 earned its reputation through controlled round feed reliability, excellent ergonomics, and consistent accuracy. The Standard Rifle configuration with a 26 inch barrel reflects a period when Winchester emphasized velocity and precision, particularly for high performance varmint and predator cartridges.
Chambered in .220 Swift, this rifle is associated with one of the fastest commercial sporting cartridges ever introduced. Debuting in the 1930s, the .220 Swift was celebrated for its blistering velocity and flat trajectory, making it a benchmark for long range varmint shooting throughout the mid twentieth century. The bore on this example remains bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, rating a strong 8.5 out of 10. Sights have been removed in favor of optics, with the receiver correctly drilled and tapped for scope bases, reflecting common and period appropriate configuration changes for precision shooting.
Overall condition is good for a C&R example, retaining approximately 75 percent of its original blued finish. The metal shows honest wear with thinning along the leading edges, scattered scratches, and notable handling wear on the floorplate, all consistent with field use rather than neglect. The walnut stock remains attractive with hand checkering intact, showing handling marks, light compression dents, and localized wear near the sling swivel area, but no structural issues. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the three position safety operates as designed, locking the bolt and trigger or allowing bolt manipulation as intended. This rifle stands as a solid and historically representative example of a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in a classic high velocity chambering. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
