Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Al Biesen Custom 300 Weatherby Bolt Action C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL015
Make: Winchester, Customized by Al Biesen
Model: Model 70
Serial Number: 331998
Year of Manufacture: 1955 C&R
Caliber: 300 Weatherby
Action Type: Bolt action, centerfire, fed by internal magazine, drop floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Al Biesen Gunmaker, Spokane, WN”. The left side of the barrel is marked “300 Weatherby”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Winchester Trademark”. There is a faint proof mark on the left side of the receiver. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. There is a Bausch and Lomb Balsix B mounted in a Redfield mount. We cannot guarantee optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom one piece checkered walnut, tipped forend, capped pistol grip, raised cheekpiece, with rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to recoil pad. There are a few scuffs on the pistol grip cap. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. This stock shows fine craftsmanship and fine line count checkering that Al Biesen was known for but is styled unlike others he made. There is a mark on the barrel from a different stock. We cannot fully verify if Al Biesen was the stockmaker used on this stock. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished but original to custom build
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is fairly heavy copper fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There is thinned bluing around the muzzle, top of the barrel, and bottom metal. There is handling and operational wear. There are fine scratches scattered throughout. The jeweling shows operational wear but most is crisp. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear, with the exception of the action proof mark, which has been buffed. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action operates correctly. The trigger is crisp. The bolt is smooth. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope
Our Assessment: The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 is synonymous with controlled round feed reliability and refined American sporting rifle design, and this 1955 example represents that legacy during its most desirable production period. Customized and marked by Al Biesen of Spokane, Washington, the rifle reflects the influence of a master gunmaker known for transforming factory actions into elegant, high-performance hunting arms. Chambered in .300 Weatherby Magnum, a cartridge introduced by Roy Weatherby in the 1940s and known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, this rifle aligns with the mid-century trend toward powerful magnum cartridges suited for long-range big game hunting.
The rifle features a custom walnut stock with classic sporting lines, including a raised cheekpiece, capped pistol grip, and tipped forend, all complemented by fine checkering that is consistent with Biesen’s known style, though with some variation that suggests either a unique commission or other stockmaker. The stock remains in excellent condition with only light handling marks and minor cosmetic wear, maintaining strong visual appeal. The metal surfaces retain about 90% of their finish, with expected thinning at the muzzle and contact points, and the jeweled bolt still shows much of its original detail. The barrel is marked with Biesen’s Spokane address, reinforcing its custom provenance, and is fitted with a period Bausch and Lomb Balsix B scope in Redfield mounts, completing the rifle’s classic mid-century sporting configuration.
Mechanically, the rifle functions as expected, with a smooth bolt cycle and a crisp trigger pull. The bore remains strong, with sharp rifling and only copper fouling present, supporting the cartridge’s reputation for high-velocity performance. The absence of iron sights and the inclusion of quality period optics emphasize its intended role as a dedicated scoped hunting rifle. Altogether, this rifle represents a compelling example of a pre-64 Model 70 enhanced by custom work during the golden age of American sporting arms, blending power, craftsmanship, and period-correct features into a cohesive and historically representative package. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF