First Year Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 G7004C 30-06 SPRG Bolt Rifle 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,026.23
LSB#: LSB250512SG002
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle, Catalog No. G7004C
Serial Number: 1235
Year of Manufacture: 1936, C&R (First Year Production)
Caliber: .30-06 SPRG
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top and left side of the receiver are drilled, tapped and filled. There is a single drilled, tapped, and filled hole in the top of the receiver bridge.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The checkering is sharp. The stock shows light wear from handling and storage. There are some scrapes, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Fine overall.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt has a matching serial number.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. The bore is Minty.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout with some light thinning on the leading edges. There are a couple minor spots of oxidation scattered about the barrel. Most of the finish loss can be found on the bottom metal. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The manual safety functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a true gem for Winchester collectors—a first-year production Model 70 Standard Rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield, serial number 1235, manufactured in 1936. Known as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” the pre-64 Winchester Model 70 has long been considered the gold standard in American bolt-action sporting rifles, and early production examples like this one are especially desirable. With its original factory blue finish, matching bolt, and crisp rollmarks, this rifle represents the very beginning of what would become one of the most iconic rifle lines in history.
Chambered in .30-06—America’s most versatile and battle-proven sporting cartridge—this rifle features a 24” barrel, a bright bore with sharp rifling that rates a pristine 10/10, and factory-correct sights. The stock is equally well-preserved with sharp checkering, solid walnut construction, and a steel checkered buttplate. There is honest handling wear, but no cracks or major defects. Mechanically sound, this rifle exhibits excellent condition for its age, retaining roughly 96% of its finish with only light edge wear and some minor oxidation on the bottom metal. First-year Model 70s are increasingly difficult to find in this level of original condition, making this an outstanding acquisition for serious collectors of American sporting arms or anyone looking to own the first chapter in the story of the most celebrated bolt-action rifle ever produced in the U.S. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
