Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .308 Win Bolt Rifle, MFD 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1102
LSB#: 210416DS23
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight, Product Code G7060CN
Serial Number: 280392
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL – 70 FEATHERWEIGHT – / MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “-308 WIN.-” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver also has a “WP” proof and “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“. The right of the chamber ring is marked “280392”. It appears that the serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body, but the marking is worn and not clearly legible.
Barrel Length: 22″
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 sight with white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic mount (none included). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, sling swivels front and rear, and a checkered black alloy shotgun-style buttplate. The stock has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with handling wear and discoloration in the grip. There is more notable wear and discoloration at the rear of the buttstock. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light marks around the edges and light wear at the heel with generally sharp checkering. Overall, the stock is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Floorplate/Trigger Guard Assembly
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 1.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is infrequent, very minor erosion, mostly on the top of the barrel over the forend. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pulled to the rear, the safety is ON, locking 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: None
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight rifle chambered in .308 Winchester and made in 1953. The rifle shows wear consistent with use in the field, retaining a decent bore and strong mechanics. Chambered for the .308 Winchester cartridge, it is going to make a great all-around hunting rifle that typically has readily available ammunition. It’s also a nice old Winchester that would make a nice addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!