Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .270 Winchester Bolt Rifle, 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1825
LSB#: 210909BW30
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Classic Super Grade
Serial Number: 277214
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .270 Winchester
Action Type: Internal Magazine Fed Bolt-Action Rifle
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—270 WIN.-” in front of the rear sight boss. The left-rear of the barrel is marked with an ovalled “WP” proof, which is 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 with the serial number, “277214”. The floorplate is marked “—SUPER GRADE—”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with a protective hood that is fixed to a ramped base that is itself fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up u-notch with white diamond aiming reference on a base that is dovetailed into the barrel. The left side of the forend is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting a peep or aperture sight (none included). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Leupold-style rail which has attached two (2) 1” optic rings.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a through bolt, capped pistol grip, black nose cap, Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, and a ventilated brown rubber Pachmayr recoil pad. There are Super-Grade style sling plates front and rear that have QD sling swivels attached. There are a few minor compressions on the comb, a dark, thin dragline, two small compressions both on the left side of the stock below the receiver, a light ding on the right side of the forend, and a series of minor nicks to the rear of the checkering on the underside of the forend. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the wood, and 13 1/4” to the back of the pad. The pad has light wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stock rates in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion near to the muzzle as well as scattered minor fouling in spots.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is minor thinning on most edges of the receiver. There are scattered light nicks and draglines most notable on the left side of the receiver. The barrel has scattered minor nicks and scuffs most notable along the top near the rear sight where a few spots of minor surface oxidation can be seen. The action has minor operational wear with the bolt handle having a few spots of thinning and minor surface oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed to the front, the safety is OFF. If pulled to the rear 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, and Accessories: The scope rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .270 Winchester and was manufactured in 1953. The Super Grade has nicer-grain wood with a nose cap, grip cap, Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece and finer checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles. The rifle is in Fine-plus condition with evidence of considerate use in the field, retaining a decent bore and strong mechanics. Wear is overall minor, though care should be taken to address the minor erosion near to the muzzle in the bore. The .270 Winchester cartridge, while not an immediate success, became one of the most widely used overall rounds in America, suitable for most game in North America and ideal also for target or silhouette shooting. The Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest, especially a Super Grade, and this would be a wonderful addition—or an incredible start—to a Winchester collection. Good luck and happy bidding!