Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 .270 Winchester 24” Bolt Action Rifle, 1951 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,250.00
LSB#: LSB250731JB014
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 202316
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .270 WCF (.270 Winchester)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Winchester’s New Haven address, trade marks, and “-MODEL 70- / 270 WCF.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The front sight has a slot for a hood, but the sight hood is missing. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight with a white diamond aiming reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a beautiful Grade V / VI checkered walnut, with a capped semi-pistol grip with a slight right-hand palm swell, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, red rubber buttpad, ebony tipped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows no notable wear. The checkering is very well defined. The gloss finish makes the wood grain very vivid and attractive. There are no chips or cracks. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning of the finish on the receiver, trigger guard, floorplate, and the muzzle. There are a few scattered light scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action shows operational wear on the friction portions of the action. The bluing on the barrel remains mostly deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The controlled round feed action functions correctly, as does the 3-position safety. The trigger has a light, crisp, and clean break. 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: The Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 needs little introduction among American sporting rifles — introduced in 1936 and refined through the mid-20th century, the pre-1964 examples are celebrated for their controlled-round-feed Mauser-style extractor, solid three-position safety, and excellent fit and finish. This 1951 Model 70 carries a high-grade Grade V/VI checkered walnut stock with ebony forend tip and straight comb with cheekpiece, a 24? barrel, and factory Winchester proofing and markings; the combination of custom deluxe woodwork and Winchester’s classic controlled-feed action places it squarely within the lineage of Winchester’s finest mid-century production rifles.
Chambered in .270 Winchester — a cartridge introduced commercially by Winchester in 1925 and long prized for its flat trajectory and versatile performance on North American game — this rifle presents very well: it retains approximately 85% of its original blued finish, the bore checks bright and rates 9/10, and the deluxe walnut stock remains tight and attractive with no structural defects. Functionally the controlled-round-feed action and three-position safety operated correctly during inspection, the trigger breaks light and clean, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. Offered without original box or paperwork, this crisp, well-finished 1951 Model 70 stands as a strong, mostly original example of Winchester’s pre-1964 workmanship. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
