Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 25” .338 Win Mag Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,603.00
LSB#: LSB251111JH006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 516212
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-” “MODEL 70”–/ — “338 WIN MAGNUM”–. The left side of the barrel and receiver is marked with a Winchester WP proof. The left side of the receiver and barrel are marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the chamber is marked “516212”.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. There is a receiver sight base installed. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a side mount scope. There is a 3-9×40 Leupold Vari X II mounted in a Paul Jaeger mount. The top of the receiver is tapped and filled with screws for mounting a scope. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom, one piece checkered walnut, capped pistol grip, raised monte carlo cheekpiece, and a vented rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The stock has been fully bedded. There are light scratches and handling marks. The left side of the stock has been inlet for a receiver sight. The recoil pad is aged but not hardened or cracked. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is a fair amount of copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. There is only minor handling wear. There is light corrosion freckling, mostly on the bolt knob and bottom metal. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety and the trigger. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. There is a trigger shoe installed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope as described above.
Our Assessment: Manufactured in 1961, this Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 in .338 Winchester Magnum represents late production of the classic controlled round feed era just prior to the 1964 redesign. Serial number 516212 falls squarely within the desirable pre changeover range, retaining the forged receiver, coned breech, and full length claw extractor that made the Model 70 a benchmark for dangerous game and magnum hunting rifles. Chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, introduced in 1958 to deliver powerful performance in a standard length action, this rifle features a 25 inch barrel marked with correct New Haven roll marks and Winchester WP proofs on both barrel and receiver.
This rifle retains approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish, showing only minor handling wear and light corrosion freckling concentrated on the bolt knob and bottom metal. The screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear and legible. The stock is a custom one piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece, and vented rubber recoil pad. It has been fully bedded and inlet on the left side for a receiver sight. Light scratches and handling marks are present, but there are no cracks, and the recoil pad remains supple without hardening or cracking. The length of pull measures 13 1/2 inches. Overall, the stock rates Very Good.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, with noticeable copper fouling present. Mechanically, the action, safety, and trigger function correctly, and a trigger shoe is installed. The rifle is fitted with a Leupold Vari X II 3-9×40 scope in a Paul Jaeger side mount, with additional drilling and tapping present for alternate mounting configurations, though optic function cannot be guaranteed. In .338 Winchester Magnum, the Model 70 became synonymous with serious big game performance, and this 1961 Pre 64 example remains a strong representative of Winchester’s magnum era craftsmanship. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
