Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Westerner-Alaskan .300 Win Magnum Rifle 1962 C&R

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Westerner-Alaskan, Catalog No. G7036

Serial Number: 553643

Year of Manufacture: The serial number was applied in 1962, this model was only offered in 1963, so the receiver was likely made prior to the introduction of the Westerner-Alaskan and this rifle was probably assembled with initial production of the Style.

Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch sight with a white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a one-piece Redfield base and rings holding a Weatherby Variable 2.75-10x scope with crosshair reticle. The scope body has some light wear, the glass is fairly clear. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand-checkered walnut with Monte Carlo comb, pistol grip, ventilated orange rubber Winchester recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, more toward the rear. There are areas of handling wear and there is some finish loss 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 recoil pad. The recoil pad has light-moderate wear and has hardened slightly with age. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some scattered stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.

Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the bottom metal. There are a few scattered light handling marks. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety has three positions, forward is Fire, all the way to the rear locks both the bolt and trigger, in the middle the trigger is locked, but the bolt can be operated. 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: The .300 Winchester Magnum caliber was authorized in September 1962, with rifles of standard grade only first shipped in early 1963. These rifles were known as Westerner-Alaskan rifles with 4,916 having been manufactured. This is a fairly early example, with the serial number applied in late 1962. It is equipped with a vintage Weatherby 2.75-10x scope. This would still make for a great hunting rifle today, with .300 Win. Mag. being a popular cartridge for larger game such as Moose and Elk. That said, the pre-64 Winchesters are very collectable, and this Westerner-Alaskan model is rare, accounting for less than 1% of total pre-64 Model 70 production. Whether you’re a hunter or a collector, this classic American rifle would be great to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud