Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .300 H&H Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 210224DF07
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 57055
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: .300 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, and “MODEL 70- 300 MAGNUM” in front of the rear sight boss. The left-rear of the barrel is marked with an ovalled “WP” proof, found again on the left of the receiver’s chamber ring. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “57055”. The bolt body is hand-scribed “57055”. The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-“.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The notch has a white triangle aiming reference and is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the chamber ring is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none included). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included). The left of the receiver has three drilled and tapped holes with two non-threaded holes for some style of scope mount (no mount included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, black nosecap, European-style oval cheekpiece comb, ventilated brown rubber Pachmayr recoil pad, and Super-Grade style sling plates inlaid front and rear. The stock has been relieved at the left of the receiver for the previously installed scope mount. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small filled spot at the front of the cheekpiece. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13″ to the back of the wood. The pad has scattered wear, but is still fairly supple. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge reads an ME of about 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, mostly in the barrel and floorplate with scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The barrel has a line of wear behind the rear sight boss from a previously installed elevator sight. There are infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt handle. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed to the rear, the safety is OFF. If pushed forward all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There are Super Grade QD sling swivels installed with a brown leather sling. The slings has light-moderate wear and some discoloration from age and oil, in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .300 Holland & Holland magnum and made in 1946. The Super Grade has nicer-grain wood with a nosecap, grip cap, cheekpiece and nicer checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles. This example was set up for a scope, but it has since been removed. The rifle is in Very Good condition with evidence of responsible use in the field, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. The .300 H&H Magnum is one of the most powerful cartridges available in the early Model 70s, able to be used for any game in North America and also popular for hunting in Africa. This is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest, especially a Super Grade, and this would be a good addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!