Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H mag 25″ Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1958 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,255.00

LSB#: LSB260406SB025

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Standard Configuration

Serial Number: 433631

Year of Manufacture: 1958, C&R. 

Caliber: .375 H&H Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate. 

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN, U.S. OF AMERICA – WINCHESTER – MODEL 70 – 375 H&H MAGNUM – / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The serial number that is normally electropenciled onto the bottom of the bolt has been worn off, so we are unable to verify if the serial number on the bolt would have matched the serial number on the receiver. 

Barrel Length: 25″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a gold beaded blade, dovetailed to a hooded serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up express style leaf sight, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is not original to the rifle. The top of the receiver is mounted with a two-piece Weaver style base for optics. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, monte carlo comb, red rubber Pachmayr buttpad, and a checkered forend. There are two holes in the belly of the buttstock, and one hole in the bottom of the forend where sling studs used to be. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with signs of sanding around the front of the monte carlo comb, and areas of light finish throughout the buttstock. There are light scratches and a few minor dings throughout. The buttpad is showing some cracking. The checkering is mostly well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fair to Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with thinning finish on the leading edges of the floorplate, trigger guard/bottom metal and receiver. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots.Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. However, the safety is a bit stiff to engage. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope mounts as mentioned above.  

Our Assessment: This 1958 Winchester Model 70 Standard Configuration in .375 H&H Magnum represents the final years of the pre-1964 controlled round feed era, when the Model 70 had firmly established its reputation worldwide. Chambered in the legendary .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, introduced in 1912 and long regarded as one of the most versatile dangerous game cartridges ever developed, this rifle reflects the period when American sportsmen carried Model 70s from Alaska to Africa. The long magnum action and classic lines of the late 1950s production rifles embody the craftsmanship that made these pre-64 examples so desirable.

This example retains approximately 90 percent of its original blued finish, with thinning on the leading edges of the floorplate, trigger guard, and receiver. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10 out of 10. The stock shows sanding around the monte carlo comb and buttstock, evidence of removed sling studs due to worn holes, and light to moderate handling wear, and is fitted with a red rubber Pachmayr buttpad; overall it rates Fair to Good. The rear express sight is a replacement, and the receiver is fitted with Weaver style bases. The bolt’s electropenciled serial number is worn and cannot be verified. The action and safety function correctly, though the safety is somewhat stiff. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.