Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .375 H&H Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3176.01
LSB#: 210416DS01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade, Catalog Number G7057C
Serial Number: 113335
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .375 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- 375 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-”, concealed by the scope mount. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “113335”. The bolt body is hand-scribed “113335”. The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-“.
Barrel Length: 25″, Contour #1
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is a Lyman 6-W sight with dual folding “U”-notch leaves, one taller than the other, dovetailed to a base screwed to the rear of the barrel (factory sight for this model). The top of the chamber ring is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic, the bridge is not drilled and tapped. 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 indexing studs of the installed Paul Jaeger quick-detach scope mount with rings holding a Hensoldt-Wetzlar Ziel-Dialyt 2 3/4x scope with fine-crosshair and target-dot reticle. The scope has scattered light wear in the body, thinning at edges showing a bronze color under the finish, and fairly clear glass, in about Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, black nosecap, European-style oval cheekpiece comb, orange rubber Winchester buttpad, and Super-Grade style sling plates inlaid front and rear. The stock has been relieved at the left of the receiver for the installed scope mount. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some areas of thinning finish, most notable in the front of the grip and the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 5/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has scattered wear and discoloration, but is still fairly supple. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is either light erosion or stubborn fouling just in front of the chamber.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is in scattered minor surface oxidation and erosion. There are a few light nicks and scratches. 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, hanging over the right side of the bolt sleeve. Pushed to the rear, the safety is ON, locking both the trigger and the bolt. If pushed forward all the way, the safety is OFF. 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: The installed scope is included as described
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .375 Holland & Holland magnum and made in 1949. 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, with a vintage Hensoldt-Wetzlar 2 3/4x scope installed. The rifle is in Very Good condition with honest wear consistent with use in the field, retaining a nice bore and strong mechanics. The .375 H&H Magnum is one of the most powerful cartridges available in the Model 70, 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!