Clayton Nelson Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H Mag Bolt Action Safari Rifle, C
SOLD FOR: $2575
LSB#: 230921JL029
Make: Winchester, Customized by Harry Lawson
Model: 70
Serial Number: 255826
Year of Manufacture: The receiver was produced in 1953, we do not know when it was customized.
Caliber: .375 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 24 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a checkered, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is installed. The rear sight is a three leaf express sight mounted in a quarter rib that is fixed to the barrel. Each leaf has a wide “V” notch and an aiming reference line. The top of the receiver has two pairs of empty drilled and tapped holes. The left rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The custom stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, cheekpiece, ebony inlay forend, fleur di lis accents, and a black rubber buttpad. There is a stling stud in the belly and there is another sling mount on the barrel. There are some scratches, the most noticeable are on the left side at the rear of the action. There are a few little spots of finish wear from oil. There are a couple of compressions. There are a few little marks through the finish. There are light handling marks. The checkering is strong with some light wear. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/4″ to the back of the pad. The pad has light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to Customization
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There are a few machining marks and spots of light erosion. In my opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The bolt is serial-matched. The bolt has been jeweled. There are some areas of thinning and mottled discoloration, mostly on the bottom metal. There are a few little nicks and light marks through the finish, mostly on the trigger guard. There is some finish loss on the muzzle. There are a few light marks on the bolt knob. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly used with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The follower is not the correct follower for .375 H&H rounds. When cycling rounds, the rounds will properly cycle until the last round which will usually pop out of the action. The action otherwise functions correctly. 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: None.
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. It has more than earned its nickname of “The Riflemans Rifle“, a true icon. This particular rifle has been customized by Harry Lawson. The rifle has a custom barrel chambered for .375 H&H Magnum and it has been installed with a quarter rib with express sights. The bolt handle has been checkered and the body has been jeweled. The floorplate has been scroll engraved and has a game scene in the center featuring a relief engraved bear in gold, and there is a small signature that reads “BKR”. Tying it all together is the beautiful custom walnut stock with deep fleur di lis wrap-around checkering, straight comb, cheekpiece, and ebony inlay. This is a lovely safari rifle and will be a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red