Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 G7007C 25″ .375 H&H Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
WOA#: WY240531GA006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70, Catalog No. G7017C
Serial Number: 121674
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 70 – 375 MAGNUM” in front of the rear sight and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof, found again on the left of the receiver’s chamber ring. We were not able to remove the scope mount to inspect for additional markings on the left of the receiver. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “121674”. The serial number is scribed on the bottom of the bolt.
Barrel Length: 25″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear of the barrel is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 6W sight which has two “U”-notches mounted to the base, able to be folded to present either the lower or the higher notch. The front notch has had the sides trimmed. The top of the chamber ring is drilled, tapped and filled (the bridge is not drilled). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 57WJS receiver sight base installed (no sight arm is present). The left of the receiver has had three holes drilled and tapped with two indexing pins installed for a Griffin & Howe base and rings holding a Lyman Alaskan 2.5x scope with post reticle installed. The scope body has scattered wear and scratches, the glass is fairly clear but could use some good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand-checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, orange rubber Winchester buttpad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock was relieved on the left for the scope mount but was not relieved for the receiver sight mount. There is a notable crack in the top of the wrist. Otherwise, there are only a few minor marks. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad shows light wear and discoloration, remaining fairly supple. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is a little light erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the bottom metal. The bolt knob shows handling wear and the action shows operatioanl wear. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the right side of the receiver. 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.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 70 Magnum made in 1949 and chambered in the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum cartridge. The rifle is in Very Good-plus condition with about 95% of its metal finish, light wear and one notable crack in the refinished stock and a decent bore. The receiver has been drilled for the installed Griffin & Howe scope mount holding a vintage Lyman Alaskan scope and there is provision for a Lyman receiver sight. The .375 H&H is a belted magnum cartridge suitable for North American big game animals and even some of the thinner skinned game animals of Africa. This is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that has years of hunting use left in it. That said, it’s also a desirable pre-64 Winchester Model 70 with an uncommon factory rear sight and would make a great addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
