Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1101
LSB#: 220427AJ004
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight
Serial Number: 379435
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “-MODEL 70-FEATHERWEIGHT- / -MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL ” and “-30-06 SPRG.-“. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and 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 “379435”. There is no serial marking on the bolt.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel which has been filled with a blank and blended to match the barrel profile. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a one-piece Redfield base and rings holding a Simmons Wide Angle 3-9x scope with duplex reticle. The scope has minor handling wear and the glass is still fairly clear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an after-market skip-line checkered walnut with nose cap, capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated black rubber Pachmayr recoil pad, and sling-studs front and rear. There is a wood through-bolt below the receiver. The stock has minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and is still fairly supple. Overall, the stock is in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Bottom Metal
Finish Originality: The barrel has been Refinished. The receiver and bottom metal appear Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows and ME of about 2.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some finish wear at the muzzle and a couple of scratches at the muzzle on the top. The barrel has some scattered minor scuffs and scratches with a couple of more notable marks over the forend. The receiver has a couple of spots of very minor surface erosion and there is a light scratch on the left. The bolt knob shows handling wear and the action shows operational wear. The bottom metal has light wear on the floorplate and a few minor marks. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the barrel’s proof mark is shallow and there is no serial marking on the bolt. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition as partially refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the right-rear of the bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. 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: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight rifle chambered in ..30-06 and made in 1956. The rifle has been fitted with a quite attractive skip-line checkered stock and the iron sights have been removed in favor of the installed scope. This rifle shows signs of responsible use and still retains a good bore and strong mechanics. If this pre-64 Model 70 makes it past the Winchester collectors, it ought to still have a lot of hunting seasons left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!