Pre-64 Winchester 70 Standard 30-06 24″ Bolt Action Rifle 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,326.50
LSB#: LSB260502BD006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 303497
Year of Manufacture: 1954 C&R
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
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– – 30-06 SPRG. -“, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramp, soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U notch dovetailed to a boss in the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. There is a set of Weaver bases mounted on this rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, serrated plastic buttplate, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There is light dust and debris in the finish. There is minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition for refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. The is very light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There is light handling and operational wear. Some of the stamping has been softened by buffing. There are some light scratches. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition as refinished.
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: None
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1936, the Winchester Model 70 combined a strong Mauser-influenced controlled-round-feed action with refined handling and sporting-rifle features, eventually earning its reputation as “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Pre-1964 examples are particularly sought after for their machined components, claw extractor, three-position safety, and high standard of fit and finish. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, this 1954 Standard Rifle is configured in one of the model’s most versatile and historically popular hunting cartridges, suitable for a broad range of North American game. Serial number 303497 falls within the accepted 1954 production range.
This rifle has been professionally or extensively refinished and retains approximately 98% of its current blue finish, with light handling and operational wear, scattered scratches, and some softened stamping from prior buffing. The refinished checkered walnut stock is in Excellent condition as refinished, showing only minor handling wear and light dust or debris trapped in the finish, with no chips or cracks. The bore is particularly strong, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only very light fouling, earning a 9.75/10 rating. The action and safety function correctly, and the rifle is equipped with Weaver scope bases while retaining its factory-style iron sights. Overall, this is an attractive and mechanically sound pre-64 Model 70 that should appeal primarily as a high-quality shooter rather than a collector-grade original example. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF