Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Westerner G7045 .264 Win Mag Bolt Rifle 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1334
LSB#: 220221SB012
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Westerner, Product No. G7045
Serial Number: 539210
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .264 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A.- / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “-MODEL-70-264 WIN. MAGNUM-”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “539210”. The bolt body is hand-scribed with “539210”.
Barrel Length: 26?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight base is grooved for a hood, but none is present. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch sight with white triangle aiming reference, adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage in its dovetail on a boss at the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece bases and rings holding a Pecar 4-10x scope with a german post and crosshair reticle (first focal plane). The scope has some light wear in the body but the glass is still fairly clear. Butler Creek lense caps have been installed. The left of the receiver at the rear is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep-sight mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, and a brown rubber Kick-Eez buttpad. There are sling swivels mounted on the underside of the forend and in the belly near the butt. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 3/8″ to the back of the wood, indicating that the stock was cut. The has light wear and some discoloration, but is still supple. The stock rates in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling which should come out with a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the floorplate and trigger guard. The floorplate has some tiny spots of minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear, including handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine condition and would easily rate Fine but for the light wear in the stock.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the right side of the receiver. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled 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: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described and a brown leather sling.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifle chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum and made in 1961, just after that cartridge was introduced by Winchester. The rifle is the “Westerner” style and was part of the introduction of Winchester’s belted magnum cartridges in the late ’50s and early ’60 with less recoil and higher velocities than the others. With its high velocity and excellent ballistics coefficient, the .264 Win Mag is not only suitable for any game animal in North America, it makes a fine long-range target rifle as well. This is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. Please see our photos and good luck!