Clayton Nelson Custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 7×57 Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $3375

LSB#: 230605JT013

Make: Winchester, Customized by Clayton Nelson

Model: 70

Serial Number: 253343

Year of Manufacture: 1953

Caliber: 7×57 Mauser

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 20” Aftermarket

Sights/Optics: The barrel has no provision for iron sights. The left of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The top of the receiver is installed with a pair of bases and rings holding a Leupold VARI-X III 2.5-8 scope. The scope has some scattered light handling marks. The scope has a duplex reticle and the glass is clear. The scope rates in about Excellent condition.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The custom stock is a one-piece checkered walnut Mannlicher stock with fleur di lis accents, a steel capped pistol grip, Schnabel tip, straight comb, cheekpiece, shotgun style buttplate. There are minor cracks at the bolt handle cutout. There are some scattered little marks through the finish, faint compressions, and draglines. The checkering is strong. The LOP is 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered finish wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to Customization

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In my opinion, this bore is an 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 97% of its finish. There are a few little marks on the top of the barrel at the front. There are some little spots of finish loss on the bolt handle. The action shows operational wear. The markings are light but legible. The screwheads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, the rifle is in Fine Plus condition. 

Mechanics: The bolt is not original to the receiver. 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: Included is the previously described scope.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured and is well-deserving of its moniker “The Rifleman’s Rifle”. This is a pre-64 example that has been customized by Clayton Nelson. The receiver has been rebarreled and now shoots 7mm Mauser. There barreled action has been set in a custom Mannlicher stock wtih beautiful checkering and fleur di lis accents. The bol handle has been checkered and the rifle is all brought together with the addition of a sweet Leupold scope. This one is ready to be shot! Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red