Custom Winchester Model 70 .338 Win Magnum Bolt Rifle, MFD 1954 ATF Modern

SOLD FOR: $1101

LSB#: 210920SS03

Make: Winchester

Model: 70

Serial#: 297687

Year of Manufacture: 1954, per Winchester serial records. This rifle features a Post-64 barrel chambered for .338 Winchester Magnum, and as such it is considered to be a modern firearm by the ATF.

Caliber/Gauge: .338 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with 5 Round Internal Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “—WINCHESTER ® MODEL 70—338 WIN MAGNUM— / —MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / —TRADE MARK—” and the right side is marked with the serial number, “297687”. The buttpad is marked with the McMillan logo.

Barrel Length: 24” ported.

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade with a protective hood that is dovetailed into a ramped base that is screwed into the barrel. The barrel is drilled, tapped, and filled for a rear sight (none installed). The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for installing a sight (no sight is included). The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled with two-piece optic rail (no optic is included).

Stock Configuration and ConditionGrip: The stock is a McMillan aftermarket one-piece checkered marble-pattern synthetic with pistol grip, Monte-Carlo comb with cheek piece, and black rubber buttpad. There are sling studs on the belly of the buttstock and the underside of the forend. There are just minor handling marks, but otherwise the stock is free of any notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad is lightly discolored and has minor scuff wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stock is in Fine-plus condition, as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but light stubborn fouling persists along the grooves.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 97% of its current finish. The action has very light operational wear and there is are scattered minor nicks on the barrel, mostly on the underside. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, the rifle is in Fine condition, as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Model 70 on offer here is customized—the pre-64 action has been re-barreled with a later era .338 Winchester Magnum barrel (previously available on just one Pre-64 Model 70, the Alaskan) all of which sits on an aftermarket McMillan stock. It all comes together to make a very nice cold-weather hunting rifle. Wear is minimal, the bore is bright (but could use some elbow grease) and the stock is near immaculate. A previous owner has brought together strong elements from several eras of rifle manufacture, and the next owner should be pleased. Good luck and happy bidding!