Custom Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 .308 Win 26″ Bolt Action Palma Rifle 1948
SOLD FOR: $1,001.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE081
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 70
Serial Number: 89178
Year of Manufacture: 1948, C&R
Caliber: .308 Winchester (Chamber should be cast to confirm)
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26” Stainless Heavy Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield International Globe sight with aperture leaf installed, mounted to a male dovetail screwed to the barrel. There is a male dovetail screwed at the rear of the barrel and another installed on top of the barrel shank. The left side of the receiver is installed with a Redfield International Match fully adjustable peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb with cheek piece, Mershon Company “White Line” Sure Grip rubber buttpad, sling rings front and rear, inlaid accessory rail, and adjustable hand stop. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, nicks, and compressions throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. This stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Stainless Barrel.
Finish Originality: Original to build. There is no serial number on the bolt, having been worn away.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is stubborn fouling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current metal finish. The metal shows scratches and scuff marks throughout. There is heavy operational wear on the receiver. The rear of the receiver has been modified to take stripper clips. The barrel shows some scattered light oxidation. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair – Good condition as a customized rifle. Given the nature of the modifications, this rifle should be inspected by a competent gunsmith before firing.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The manual safety is locked in the firing position. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes an attached vintage Hunter leather sling in Good condition. The leather is supple and pliable. There is surface cracking. There are no rips or tears. There is verdigris on the brass parts. There is an AL Freeland sling bracket mounted to the sling.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 is one of the most respected American bolt-action rifle platforms ever produced, earning its “Rifleman’s Rifle” reputation through controlled-round-feed operation, excellent machining, strong reliability, and broad sporting and target use. Manufactured in 1948, this rifle began life during the highly desirable pre-1964 production period and has since been substantially customized into a Palma-style target rifle. The configuration includes a 26 inch stainless heavy barrel, Redfield International globe front sight, Redfield International Match receiver sight, inlaid accessory rail, adjustable hand stop, and a modified receiver intended to accept stripper clips. Chambered in .308 Winchester, this rifle reflects the style of mid-century and later precision target conversions where strong commercial actions were rebuilt for match or long-range shooting use rather than retained in original sporting configuration.
This example rates in about Good condition as a customized rifle, retaining approximately 50 percent of its current metal finish with scratches, scuffs, heavy operational wear on the receiver, and scattered light oxidation on the barrel. The walnut target-style stock shows scattered handling marks, scratches, nicks, and compressions, but no noted chips or cracks, and retains its Mershon “White Line” buttpad, accessory rail, hand stop, and vintage Hunter leather sling with Al Freeland sling bracket. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling, no visible erosion, and stubborn fouling present, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions, but the manual safety is locked in the firing position, and the receiver has been modified; as stated in the listing, this rifle should be inspected by a competent gunsmith before firing. Overall, this is an interesting and purpose-built custom Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 target rifle with desirable Redfield International sights, Palma-style features, and strong appeal to collectors of vintage competition rifles and custom Model 70 builds. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.