Pre-64 Winchester 70 Standard G7004C 30-06 SPRG 24″ Bolt Action 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,136.00
LSB#: LSB260823XX002
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard; Symbol No. G7004C
Serial Number: 12322
Year of Manufacture: 1937 / C&R Eligible.
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
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 – / – .30 GOV’T’06”. 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 “12322”. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24″
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 at the front, and the left side of the receiver at the rear 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. 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 buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches, dings and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact, however the stock has been touched up on the toe and on the forend from where the sling studs pulled out, and there are a couple spots of worn finish on the right side of the stock at the rear of the forend, and on the forend tip. 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 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 moderate pitting present, about 1/3 of the way down the bore from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light thinning of the finish on the bottom metal and bolt knob, along with moderate finish wear on the buttplate. There is light operational wear on the bolt and friction surfaces of the action. Minor scratches, dings, and imperfections are present throughout the metal surfaces. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but all retain 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: This rifle comes with the sling as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 was introduced in 1936 and quickly established itself as one of the premier American sporting bolt-action rifles, combining controlled-round feeding, a Mauser-style claw extractor, and refined sporting ergonomics. This low-serial-number 1937 Standard Rifle is chambered in .30-06 Springfield and carries the early period “.30 GOV’T’06” barrel marking. Its 24″ barrel, Winchester 22G rear sight, matching serialized bolt, checkered walnut stock, and steel buttplate give it strong early Pre-64 character.
This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining about 80% of its original blue finish with thinning on the bottom metal and bolt knob, moderate wear on the buttplate, operational marks on the bolt and action surfaces, and scattered scratches, dings, and minor imperfections. The checkered walnut stock remains in Very Good condition with light handling wear, localized touch-up at the toe and forend where sling studs had pulled out, and a few areas of worn finish, but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling but shows moderate pitting approximately one-third of the way down from the muzzle, rating 7/10. The action and safety function correctly, and the matching bolt remains an important originality feature. Despite the receiver modifications and bore pitting, this remains an appealing early 1937 Pre-64 Model 70 in the classic .30-06 Springfield chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.