Pre-64 Winchester 70 Standard G7008C .220 Swift 26″ Bolt Action 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,800.00
LSB#: LSBN260823CC001
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard; Symbol No. G7008C
Serial Number: 5770
Year of Manufacture: 1937 / C&R Eligible.
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked ” – WINCHESTER – / PROOF STEEL / – MODEL 70 – WINCHESTER – / TRADE MARK – / – .220 SWIFT”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / – NEW HAVEN, CONN. – PATENTED -“. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “5770”. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramped base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is the Winchester 22G spring sight (semi-buckhorn U-notch sight on a riser), dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The butt of the stock shows moderate iron staining, as there used to be a slip-on buttpad on the stock at some point. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The checkering is well defined, and the stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good to Very 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches, dings, and imperfections in the metal surfaces, most notably on the trigger guard, and a couple of minor spots on the barrel. The rear sight shows light finish loss, as do the sling rings. There are light operational marks on the bolt. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. 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 Winchester Model 70 was introduced in 1936 and quickly established itself as one of America’s premier sporting bolt-action rifles, combining controlled-round feeding, a Mauser-style claw extractor, and excellent sporting ergonomics. This very early 1937 Standard Rifle, serial number 5770, is chambered in .220 Swift and retains its 26″ barrel, Winchester 22G rear sight, matching serialized bolt, checkered walnut stock, and steel buttplate. The .220 Swift was one of the defining high-velocity sporting cartridges of its era and became an important early Model 70 chambering, making this low-serial-number rifle particularly interesting to collectors of early Pre-64 Winchesters.
This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining about 90% of its original blue finish with scattered light scratches, dings, and imperfections, most notably on the trigger guard and in a few areas of the barrel. The rear sight and sling rings show light finish loss, and the bolt displays light operational wear. The checkered walnut stock rates in Good to Very Good condition with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions along with moderate iron staining at the butt from a previously installed slip-on recoil pad, but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and stubborn fouling, rating 9/10, while the action and safety function correctly. Despite the honest handling wear, its very early 1937 production, matching bolt, original 26″ barrel, and desirable .220 Swift chambering give this rifle strong collector interest. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.