Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 .300 Win. mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,002.00
LSB#: LSB260226JD033
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 (Standard Configuration)
Serial Number: 560481
Year of Manufacture: 1962; C&R.
Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – / WINCHESTER – MODEL 70 – 300 WIN. MAGNUM -“, with a circled “WP” proof mark on the top of the barrel. The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof mark, and “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “560481”. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, on a hooded serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the boss on the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scratches and dings scattered throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Good to Very Good condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a one-piece Redfield base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, brown rubber Pachmayr buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. The buttpad is not original to the rifle. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. There are patches of thinning and worn finish throughout the stock, most notably on the bottom of the forend beneath the checkering, on the buttstock where the buttpad meets up with the wood, and on the leading edges of the pommel. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. Despite the flaws, there are no structurally compromising chips or cracks, but there is a small chip just forward of the floorplate. Overall, the stock rates in 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, but there is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light thinning of the finish at the muzzle, bolt handle, and on the leading edges of the trigger guard and floorplate. There are light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. Some minor freckling of surface corrosion is present on the floorplate. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
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: This rifle comes with the sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 is one of America’s most celebrated bolt-action sporting rifles, widely known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle” and prized for its controlled-round-feed action, classic handling, and enduring collector appeal. This 1962 C&R-eligible standard configuration Model 70 is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, a powerful, flat-shooting magnum cartridge well suited for long-range hunting and larger game. This example features a 24″ barrel, matching-number bolt, factory hooded front sight and adjustable folding rear sight, Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x scope on a Redfield base, checkered walnut stock, and leather sling. The pre-64 manufacture, matching bolt, magnum chambering, factory iron sights, and included Leupold optic should appeal to Winchester collectors and hunters looking for a classic American big-game rifle with practical field capability.
This rifle rates in Good to Very Good overall condition, retaining about 90% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only light fouling present, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Good condition, showing light to moderate scratches, dings, compressions, worn finish patches, a small chip just forward of the floorplate, and a non-original Pachmayr buttpad, though it fits tightly and has no structurally compromising chips or cracks. The metal shows light finish thinning at the muzzle, bolt handle, trigger guard, and floorplate edges, along with scattered light scratches, dings, and minor freckling of surface corrosion on the floorplate. The Leupold scope rates in Good to Very Good condition with clear glass and light exterior wear, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are tooled but serviceable, and the action and safety function correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.