Pre-64 Winchester 70 Featherweight .30-06 22″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,150.00
LSB#: LSB251205WO006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight
Serial Number: 345287
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “- WINCHESTER – MODEL-70-FEATHERWEIGHT- / – TRADE MARK – MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / – 30-06 SPRG. -“, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The right side of the serial number is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Weaver K10 scope, with a fine crosshair reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout the scope’s finish. There is some adhesive residue on the front of the objective from a previously installed scope cover. Otherwise, the scope rates in Good condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Leupold base, and sits in 1″ Leupold rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, red rubber Winchester buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined. The stock’s finish is mostly intact, and the wood grain is attractive. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and on the floorplate. There are a few minor dings and scratches scattered throughout the metal surfaces, and some operational wear on the action. Otherwise, the bluing is mostly intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is widely regarded as one of the finest American sporting rifles ever produced. Manufactured in 1954 at Winchester’s New Haven facility, this rifle falls squarely within the revered pre-64 production era, a period known for controlled-round feed actions, forged and machined components, and careful hand-fitting. The Featherweight variant, introduced in the early 1950s, offered a lighter contour barrel and reduced overall weight while retaining the strength and reliability that earned the Model 70 its “Rifleman’s Rifle” reputation. As a 1954 production example, this rifle is Curio and Relic eligible.
Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the rifle is paired with one of the most historically significant and versatile sporting cartridges in American history. Since its introduction in the early 20th century, the .30-06 has remained a benchmark for big-game performance, offering a broad range of bullet weights and dependable field results. The 22 inch Featherweight barrel provides balanced handling without sacrificing practical ballistic performance, while the factory iron sights and period Weaver K10 scope reflect a classic mid-century hunting configuration.
This example presents in good to very good overall condition, retaining much of its original blued finish with honest wear consistent with decades of careful use. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, the walnut stock displays attractive grain and defined checkering, and the action functions correctly. As a pre-64 Featherweight in .30-06, this rifle stands as a representative example of Winchester’s golden-era sporting production, combining historical significance with enduring field practicality. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.