Customized Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .308 22” Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,661.00

LSB#: LSB250731JB012

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Featherweight

Serial Number: 78419

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Caliber: .308 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL – 70 – FEATHERWEIGHT – / MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “-308 WIN-” and at the rear with an oval “WP” proof. The left of the receiver also has a “WP” proof and “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“. The right of the chamber ring is marked “78419”. There is no serial number inscribed on bolt.  

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up “U”-notch leaf dovetailed to the rear of the barrel with white triangle aim reference. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is tapped and filled with screws for a scope mount or scope rings.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is hand checkered walnut with a capped semi-pistol grip with palm swell, fluted raised comb with cheekpiece, Schnabel forearm, Winchester buttpad, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows minimal signs of wear. The hand checkering is a unique patters on beautifully grained burlywood walnut. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine to Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original / Floorplate refinished or replaced

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The trigger guard and floorplate appear to have either been replaced or refinished to a matte gray.  The balance of the finish shows minimal wear with some thinning on the leading edges. There are only minor superficial imperfections on the barrel and receiver.  The action shows light operational wear. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are slightly tool marked, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 3-position safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None 

Our Assessment: The Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is the archetypal American sporter — a scaled, hand-finished expression of the Model 70 that defined mid-century hunting rifles. This 1948 Featherweight in .308 Winchester wears the classic lines and handling that made pre-64 examples so desirable: slim, well-balanced 22″ heavy sporter contour, hand-checkered Super Grade walnut, and the controlled round feed action that buyers expect from a true Winchester of the era. 

Cosmetically and mechanically the rifle is very strong for a 1940s-era  sporting piece — roughly 95% of the original blue remains, the walnut stock is tight with sharp checkering and only light scattered dings, and the bore presents bright with sharp rifling (9/10). Notable condition items for disclosure include light finish thinning on the leading edges of the receiver, a few superficial imperfections on the metal surfaces.   Functionally the action cycles and locks up correctly, the three-position safety operates as intended, and the trigger breaks crisp and clean.   

For both collectors and discerning shooters this Featherweight represents an excellent balance of originality and practicality: enough cosmetic preservation to satisfy condition-minded collectors while offering a perfect, ready-to-use hunting rifle for someone who intends to carry and shoot it. Expect interest from buyers seeking a classic pre-64 Model 70 that will perform in the field and present well in a focused Winchester assembly — a sensible purchase for those who value historical authenticity, collectability paired with immediate usability. Don’t miss out on this one!  Please check out our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF