Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .308 Win. 22” Bolt Action 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,247.00
LSB#: LSB718LT118
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight
Serial Number: 371205
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .308 Winchester
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”, “-308 WIN-” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver also has a “WP” proof and “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“. The right of the chamber ring is marked “371205”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up “U”-notch leaf dovetailed to the rear of the barrel with white triangle aim reference. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Banner 4x scope, with a fine reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light signs of wear, with only a few superficial imperfections in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Weaver base, and sits in 1” Weaver rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered metal buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light signs of wear, with a few scattered dings and scratches throughout. The checkering is sharp. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine to 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear. There are only minor superficial imperfections on the barrel and receiver. Minor finish thinning is present on the leading edges of the floorplate and trigger guard, and the action shows operational wear. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 3-position safety. The trigger has a 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its attached scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is the archetypal American sporter — a scaled, hand-finished expression of the Model 70 that defined mid-century hunting rifles. This 1955 Featherweight in .308 Winchester wears the classic lines and handling that made pre-64 examples so desirable: slim, well-balanced 22″ heavy sporter contour, hand-checkered walnut, and the controlled round feed action that buyers expect from a true Winchester of the era. The attached Bushnell Banner 4× is a sensible, period-appropriate optic that preserves the rifle’s ready-to-shoot presentation.
Cosmetically and mechanically the rifle is very strong for a 1950s sporting piece — roughly 96% of the original blue remains, the deluxe walnut stock is tight with sharp checkering and only light scattered dings, and the bore presents bright with sharp rifling (10/10). Notable condition items for disclosure include light finish thinning on the leading edges of the floorplate and trigger guard, a few superficial imperfections on the metal surfaces, and tooled screw heads (though all retain serviceable slots). Functionally the action cycles and locks up correctly, the three-position safety operates as intended, and the trigger breaks crisp and clean on our bench inspection; the hand-scribed bolt serial adds correct provenance.
For both collectors and discerning shooters this Featherweight represents an excellent balance of originality and practicality: enough cosmetic preservation to satisfy condition-minded collectors while offering a perfect, ready-to-use hunting rifle for someone who intends to carry and shoot it. Expect interest from buyers seeking a classic pre-64 Model 70 that will perform in the field and present well in a focused Winchester assembly — a sensible purchase for those who value historical authenticity paired with immediate usability. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
