Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 .338 Win. mag 25″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,363.38
LSB#: LSB260226JD031
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 (Standard Configuration)
Serial Number: 401521
Year of Manufacture: 1957; C&R.
Caliber: .338 Winchester 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 PROOF STEEL – / – WINCHESTER – / – TRADE MARK – / MODEL – 70 – 338 WIN. MAGNUM -“, with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof mark, and “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “401521”. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 25″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, on a hooded serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the boss on the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope, with a duplex reticle. The scope shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted on a one-piece Redfield base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, red rubber Winchester buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. There are patches of thinning and worn finish throughout the stock, most notably on the comb/left side of the buttstock, around the floorplate, on the buttstock where the buttpad meets up with the wood, and on the forend. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. Despite the flaws, there are no structurally compromising chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in 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, but there is some stubborn fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with thinning finish at the muzzle, on the floorplate, extractor claw, bolt handle, and trigger guard. There are light scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces. Some light freckling of surface corrosion is present on the front sight and rear sling ring. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 is one of the most respected American sporting rifles, widely known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle” and prized for its controlled-round-feed action, classic handling, and strong hunting pedigree. This 1957 C&R-eligible standard configuration Model 70 is chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, a powerful big-game cartridge well suited for elk, moose, bear, and other large game where deep penetration and downrange authority are desired. This example features a 25″ barrel, matching serialized bolt, factory iron sights with hooded front sight, Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope on a Redfield base, checkered walnut stock with red Winchester buttpad, and leather sling. The pre-64 manufacture, .338 Win. Mag. chambering, matching bolt, useful Leupold optic, and C&R status should appeal to Winchester collectors and hunters looking for a classic American magnum rifle with real field utility.
This rifle rates in Good to Very Good overall condition, retaining about 85% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and some stubborn fouling present, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Good condition, showing light to moderate wear with scratches, dings, compressions, and patches of thinning or worn finish, most notably on the comb, left side of the buttstock, around the floorplate, near the buttpad, and on the forend; despite these flaws, the stock fits tightly and has no structurally compromising chips or cracks. The metal shows light wear, finish thinning at the muzzle, floorplate, extractor claw, bolt handle, and trigger guard, along with scattered scratches, dings, and light freckling of surface corrosion on the front sight and rear sling ring. The Leupold scope rates in Very Good condition with light exterior wear, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are tooled but serviceable, and the action and safety function correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.