Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Al Biesen Custom 30-06 Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,125.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL021
Make: Winchester, Customized by Al Biesen
Model: Model 70
Serial Number: 127288
Year of Manufacture: 1949 C&R
Caliber: 30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, centerfire, fed by internal magazine, drop floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Al Biesen Gunmaker, Spokane, WN”. The left side of the barrel is marked “30-06”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Winchester”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. There are faint Winchester Proof marks on the barrel and receiver.
Barrel Length: 23″
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. There is a set of Redfield steel scope bases installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Al Biesen custom, one piece fleur-de-lis checkered, tipped forend, capped semi pistol grip, beaded raised cheekpiece, with checkered steel trapdoor buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are sling mounts installed. There is light handling wear throughout. There is storage damage to the left side of the stock above the trigger. There is light patchy finish wear scattered throughout. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished but original to custom build
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is copper fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light handling and operational wear. The jeweling shows minor operational wear but is overall very crisp. The checkering on the wood and metal is crisp and sharp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear except for the proof marks. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action operates correctly. The trigger is crisp. The bolt is smooth. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope mounts.
Our Assessment: The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 is widely regarded as the benchmark for American sporting bolt-action rifles, and this 1949 production example represents the early postwar period when craftsmanship and materials remained at their peak. Enhanced by custom work from Al Biesen of Spokane, Washington, this rifle reflects the influence of one of the most respected custom gunmakers in the United States. Biesen’s work is known for elevating factory rifles into refined, purpose-built sporting arms, and pairing that craftsmanship with the .30-06 Springfield, one of the most versatile and historically significant American cartridges introduced in 1906, results in a rifle that embodies both tradition and performance.
This rifle exhibits classic Biesen styling, with a one-piece walnut stock featuring fleur-de-lis checkering, a beaded raised cheekpiece, and tasteful appointments including a capped semi-pistol grip and tipped forend. The inclusion of a checkered steel trapdoor buttplate further underscores the period-correct custom aesthetic, blending utility with understated elegance. The stock shows honest handling and storage wear, including scattered compression marks and finish thinning, consistent with careful use over time. The metalwork retains about 98% of its finish with only light wear, and the jeweled bolt remains well-defined, highlighting the attention given to both function and presentation during the custom build.
Mechanically, the rifle remains in strong operating condition, with a smooth bolt cycle and crisp trigger pull indicative of proper fitting and maintenance. The bore is excellent, with sharp rifling and only light fouling present, supporting the rifle’s reputation for accuracy in the .30-06 chambering. The Redfield steel bases provide a solid foundation for optics, complementing the rifle’s intended role as a precision hunting arm. Overall, this piece stands as a well-preserved example of a pre-64 Model 70 refined by a master gunmaker, capturing the balance of performance, craftsmanship, and classic American sporting rifle design from the mid-20th century. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bids! MF