Pre-64 Winchester 70 Super Grade 22 Hornet Bolt Rifle 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,900.00
WOA#: WY240626CB055
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 105005
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
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- 22 HORNET”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver is marked “105005”. The rear of the bolt is marked “FIRE”. The bottom of the floor plate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with a protective hood that is dovetailed into a ramped base. There is an empty rear sight dovetail. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for sight bases. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with an ebony nose cap, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, sling plates front and rear, and metal buttplate. The checkering is sharp. The wood shows a couple of small compressions and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor corrosion in the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action has light operational wear. There is a rub mark on top of the barrel shank that has removed some of the finish. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the control-feed bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle originally offered by Winchester from 1937 to 1954; this example was manufactured in 1949. Chambered in .22 Hornet, a lesser known cartridge but one that is by all accounts extremely accurate. It was once cited to be the most accurate centerfire cartridge the technicians at Winchester had ever seen. The Pre-64 Winchesters have sincere collector interest, especially a Super Grade such as this one, and this would be a wonderful addition—or an incredible start—to a Winchester collection despite any wear present, as the action alone is a prize. Good luck and happy bidding! – L.S.
