Rare Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 National Match G7091C Bolt Rifle, 1950 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1260

LSB#: 220323RS002

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 National Match, Catalog No. G7091C

Serial Number: 159760

Year of Manufacture: 1950

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (.30 Gov’t ’06)

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-“, “MODEL 70 – 30-06 SPRG-” in front of the rear sight boss and at the rear 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 “159760”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “159760” but these markings are very light and hard to distinguish due to operational wear.

Barrel Length: 24?

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman 77R globe-style sight that accepts interchangeable inserts, currently with a post installed. The sight is dovetailed to a low-profile textured base forged to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetailed boss at the rear of the barrel which is currently filled with a blank. The barrel just in front of this boss and the chamber ring are each drilled and tapped with male dovetail optic bases installed. The bridge has one drilled, tapped and filled hole. The left-rear of the receiver has a Redfield International Match receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, a sling swivel in the belly, and another mounted to the 4? accessory rail inlet to the forend. There are scattered scuffs, scrapes, patches of finish loss, nicks, dings, and scratches scattered throughout the stock. There is finish loss and thinning on the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 12 3/8″ to the wood. The Whiteline pad has become hard and is beginning to crack. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 88% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear on the receiver and it also has some light finish wear on the edges. The bolt handle has finish loss from use and there are a few little spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. The barrel has a couple of scattered little nicks, spots of finish loss, and hairline scratches. There are a few scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish on the barrel. The chamber has some mottled discoloration. The barrel has a few scattered spots of minor surface oxidation. The bottom metal assembly has some scattered little nicks, scuffs, hairline scratches, and areas of minor patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The receiver is slotted for use with clips. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pushed to the front, the safety is OFF. Rotated back 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: Included are front sight inserts.

Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 National Match. Despite being offered for more than twenty years, from 1937-1959, only 1971 of the National Match rifles were made, accounting for about one-third of one percent of Model 70 production through 1964. Equipped with Lyman 77R and a Redfield International Match sight, this is set up for target shooting with metallic sights but this rifle is also ready to accept a variety of other iron or optical sights. The rifle has seen some use, but the most noticeable wear is on the wood, it still retains a strong bore and mechanics, so it should make for a great shooter, even at more than 70 years old. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest in general and this rare National Match would be an excellent addition to even an advanced Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!