Custom Pre-64 Winchester 70 .270 WBY. mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,162.77
LSB#: LSB260706WT028
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 42667
Year of Manufacture: 1941 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .270 Weatherby Magnum (Rechambered, not a factory offering in this cartridge in this year, as the .270 Weatherby Magnum was not designed until 1943 and not standardized until 1994).
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 – .270 WBY. MAG. / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – TRADE MARK -“. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver. The “.270 WBY. MAG.” marking is not a factory original marking.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a ramp base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed, and the dovetail plugged. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Tasco 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows moderate to heavy wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fair condition. The scope is mounted to 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 straight comb, vented brown rubber Pachmayr buttpad, a checkered forend and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock has been refinished, and the buttpad is not original to the rifle. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The checkering is mostly well defined, and the stock’s refinish is largely intact. There are no chips or cracks, and the stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. Overall, the stock rates in 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 75% of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows thinning of the finish on the front third of the barrel, along with light pitting and light corrosion throughout the barrel, bolt knob, and floorplate. There are light scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces, along with operational wear on the bolt. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in 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 scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 is one of the most celebrated American sporting bolt action rifles, known for its controlled round feed action, Mauser-style claw extractor, three-position safety, and excellent sporting ergonomics. This 1941 example has been extensively modified from its original factory configuration and was subsequently rechambered to .270 Weatherby Magnum, a cartridge developed after this rifle was manufactured. The “.270 WBY. MAG.” barrel marking is also a later, non-factory marking. The rifle retains its matching serialized bolt, but the metal and stock have been refinished, the rear sight has been removed and its dovetail plugged, a non-original Pachmayr recoil pad has been installed, and a Tasco 3-9×40 scope has been added in a Redfield mount. These alterations make this primarily a custom sporting rifle rather than a collector-original Pre-64 example.
This rifle is in Good condition overall, retaining about 75% of its current metal refinish with thinning on the forward third of the barrel, light corrosion and pitting on the barrel, bolt knob, and floorplate, scattered scratches and dings, and operational wear on the bolt. The refinished checkered walnut stock also rates in Good condition with light scratches, dings, and compressions, but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. The Tasco 3-9×40 scope has clear glass but shows moderate to heavy exterior wear and rates in Fair condition. While substantially altered from its original Winchester configuration, this remains an interesting custom Pre-64 Model 70 built around an early Model 70 action and chambered for the powerful .270 Weatherby Magnum. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.