Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 .243 Win Bolt Rifle 26” Barrel, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,555.00
LSB#: WY241023DM003
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 397916
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .243 Winchester
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-”, and “MODEL-70 – 243 WIN.-”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the left side of the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “397916”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 26? Medium Heavy
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes at the front for a front sight (none present). The bridge is drilled, tapped, and filled. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with a straight comb, a pistol grip, a checkered steel buttplate, and sling swivels mounted front and rear. The stock shows scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches, but no chips or cracks. The checkering is well-defined. The length of pull (LOP) measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has wear and oxidation at the heel and toe but retains well-defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in 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. The bore rate 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish shows thinning at most edges, with a patch of finish wear on the top of the barrel between the forend and muzzle. There are scattered light marks and operational wear on the action, with handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to tool-marked but have strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety is mounted on the bolt, with three positions: OFF (pushed forward), fully locked (pulled all the way back), and trigger-only lock (pulled halfway back). We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment:
This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Varmint rifle, manufactured in 1957 and chambered in the versatile .243 Winchester. The medium-heavy 26-inch barrel provides excellent accuracy for long-range varmint shooting and precision applications.
The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 actions are highly regarded for their smoothness and reliability, making them prized by both shooters and collectors. This rifle, with its bright bore and sharp rifling, is ready for a variety of sighting systems and capable of excellent accuracy.
The .243 Winchester is an exceptional cartridge, offering flat trajectories and excellent ballistics for a variety of uses. Lighter bullets make it ideal for varmints, while heavier projectiles are suitable for deer, wild hogs, and even precision target shooting.
In its Very Good condition, this Model 70 Varmint rifle would make a fantastic addition to any Winchester collection or a highly functional firearm for precision shooting or hunting. With its classic design, straight comb stock, and craftsmanship, this rifle embodies the quality and performance of Winchester’s golden age of firearms manufacturing. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the rifle in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
