Custom Engraved Winchester Model 70 .300 Kodiak Bolt Action Rifle, 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210920SS01
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 70
Serial Number: 295259
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: .300 Kodiak
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 – 300 H&H MAGNUM-” 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 “295259”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “295259”. The barrel, receiver and bottom metal have foliate engraving with a ram’s head on the floorplate.
Barrel Length: 26″ with integral muzzle brake.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed 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 top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope mount, but none is present. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered and carved walnut with capped pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, ventilated black rubber Pachmyar White Line recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The grip cap has a Beretta logo. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few patches of thinning finish. The checkering and carving is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has minor wear and has hardened slightly with age. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the engraving has been cut through the finish. The bolt has been jeweled.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore, mostly just behind the brake portion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is handling wear on the floorplate and chamber ring. Most of the balance is where the engraving has been applied through the finish. There are a few scattered light nicks and scuffs with infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle comes with an RCBS .300 Kodiak two-die set.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifle made in 1954. Originally chambered in .300 H&H Magnum, the rifle has been re-chambered for .300 Kodiak, a wildcat based on the .300 H&H with a steeper shoulder, able to hold more powder and pushing projectiles, up to 220 grains, a little faster than its parent cartridge. The rifle has also been customized with an integral muzzle brake, carved walnut stock and foliate engraving on both the receiver and barrel. With a set of RCBS dies included, this is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. Please see our photos and good luck!