Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 24” .30-06 SPRG Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB250608WJ033
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 403634
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle 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 70-30-06 SPFLD-”. The left side of the barrel and receiver is marked with a Winchester WP proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the chamber is marked “403634”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a checkered steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light signs of wear, with only a few very minor scratches and pressure dents scattered throughout. The finish on the stock is strong and in good shape. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear, with deep and dark bluing, and minor operational wear on the action. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety and the trigger. 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 Winchester Model 70, often called The Rifleman’s Rifle, is one of the most iconic American sporting rifles of the 20th century. Pre-64 production rifles (made before Winchester’s 1964 design changes) are especially prized for their craftsmanship, controlled-round feed action, and overall fit and finish. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, this example represents one of the most versatile and widely respected hunting cartridges in history—capable of handling everything from deer and elk to moose and bear.
This 1956-manufactured rifle is in exceptional condition for its age. The rifle retains about 98% of its original blue finish, with only minor operational wear. The walnut stock has crisp checkering, a strong finish, and only a few light handling marks, free of cracks or chips. The bore is outstanding—bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a perfect 10/10. Its factory sights are intact, with the receiver also drilled and tapped for scope mounts, giving the shooter flexibility in sighting options.
Mechanically, the action cycles smoothly, the safety functions correctly, and the trigger is crisp. For the hunter, this is a ready-to-use rifle with the legendary accuracy and reliability that made the Model 70 famous. For the collector, it is a highly desirable Pre-64 in .30-06 Springfield with excellent finish, superb bore condition, and strong originality—an outstanding example of why the Winchester Model 70 is still regarded as one of the finest sporting rifles ever made. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
