Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H mag 25″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,507.00
LSB#: LSB260226JD041
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 (Standard Configuration)
Serial Number: 255810
Year of Manufacture: 1953; 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 PROOF STEEL – / – WINCHESTER – / – TRADE MARK – / MODEL 70 – 375 H&H 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 “255810”. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 25″ C-1 Magnum Contour.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a textured ramped base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding U-notch leaf, with a second folding U-notch leaf, dovetailed to a base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight leafs are a bit loose.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, vented brown rubber Packmayr buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad is not original to the rifle. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The checkering is mostly well defined, with a few of the dings landing in the checkering on the wrist and forend. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. The stock is glass bedded from the recoil lug to the tip of the forend. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 95% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light operational wear on the bolt, along with thinning finish on the bolt release tab. There are light superficial imperfections throughout the metal surfaces. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in 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: None.
Our Assessment: The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 is one of America’s most celebrated bolt-action sporting rifles, widely known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle” and prized for its controlled-round-feed action, rugged construction, and strong collector following. This 1953 C&R-eligible standard configuration Model 70 is chambered in .375 H&H Magnum, one of the classic dangerous-game and large-game cartridges, long respected for its deep penetration, reliability, and worldwide hunting reputation. This example features a 25″ C-1 Magnum contour barrel, matching-number bolt, hooded bead front sight, two-leaf folding rear sight, checkered walnut stock, and glass bedding from the recoil lug to the tip of the forend. The pre-64 manufacture, matching bolt, classic .375 H&H chambering, and magnum-profile configuration should appeal to Winchester collectors, safari-rifle enthusiasts, and hunters looking for a traditional big-game rifle with serious pedigree.
This rifle rates in Very Good overall condition, retaining about 95% of its current refinished blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Very Good condition, showing light scratches, dings, and compressions with a largely intact finish, mostly well-defined checkering, tight fit, no chips or cracks, and a non-original vented brown Pachmayr buttpad. The metal shows light operational wear on the bolt, thinning on the bolt release tab, and light superficial imperfections throughout, while the markings remain clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled but retain strong, serviceable slots, and the action and safety function correctly. The rear sight leaves are a bit loose, but the rifle remains a handsome and desirable pre-64 Model 70 in one of the most iconic magnum hunting chamberings. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.