Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 .308 Win 22” Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1957
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB251012JH013
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 409298
Year of Manufacture: 1957 / C&R
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with hinged floorplate Internal magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with ”“WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK ” logo and “MODEL—70 Featherweight, Made in USA. Winchester Proof Steel –.308 Win”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER Trademark” . The right side of the chamber is marked with the serial number “409298”. The receiver and top ? of the barrel has been engraved by an unknown artist.
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade sight fixed to the top of a serrated ramp. The rear sight dovetail has been plugged and engraved over. The rear ring of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, (none installed). The receiver has four tapped but unfilled screw holes for a scope mount.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a non-factory replacement. It is a checkered walnut, capped pistol grip, tipped forend, with a raised monte carlo cheekpiece. There is a diamond inlet into the right side of the buttstock. The LOP is 13″ There are scuffs, scratches and handling marks throughout. The floorplate has worn silver. Overall the stock rates in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal magazine.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion and wear in the bore. There is some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. The bolt handle is worn silver. The barrel has some bluing thinning near the muzzle. The engraving area has worn to a gray patina. There are minor spots of corrosion staining from carrying afield. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This pre-64 Winchester Model 70 from 1957 represents one of the most respected bolt action sporting rifles ever produced, built during the era when Winchester’s controlled-round-feed action and hand-fitted components set the standard for American sporting arms. Known universally as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Model 70 earned its reputation through reliability, balance, and accuracy, qualities that made it a favorite of hunters, guides, and competitive marksmen alike. This example stands out further with period engraving applied to the receiver and forward portion of the barrel, lending the rifle a distinctive, personalized character that reflects mid-century tastes for tasteful embellishment on working sporting rifles.
Chambered in .308 Winchester, the rifle is paired with a 22 inch barrel that suits the cartridge’s efficient, balanced performance. Introduced commercially in the early 1950s, the .308 Winchester quickly became one of the most influential rifle cartridges of the 20th century, valued for its accuracy, moderate recoil, and broad utility across North American game. The bright bore with sharp rifling supports that reputation, and the classic Winchester iron sight arrangement retains the rifle’s traditional hunting configuration. The receiver’s drilled and tapped mounting points offer flexibility for optics or receiver sights, while the engraved, plugged rear sight dovetail reflects thoughtful integration of form and function.
Overall, this rifle presents as a well-used but honest example of a pre-64 Model 70, retaining approximately 85 percent of its original finish with wear patterns consistent with time carried afield rather than neglect. The replacement walnut stock departs from factory configuration but remains serviceable and visually appealing, with checkering and classic sporting lines that complement the rifle’s era. Mechanically sound and visually distinctive, this engraved Model 70 captures both the functional excellence and individual expression that define collectible American sporting rifles of the 1950s. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
