Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 24″ .30-06 Sprg Bolt Rifle, 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,453.00
WOA#: WY240605DM049
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 290292
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
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 – 30-06 SPRG.-” 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. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “290292”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “290292”. The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-“. The bottom of the barrel is marked “30-06 54”. The right of the bridge has an address hand-scribed.
Barrel Length: 24?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base that is integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch with white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes for a receiver sight (none present). The stock was relieved for a previously installed side-mount. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled and the left of the receiver has had two holes drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a pistol grip, monte-carlo comb with cheekpiece, Super-Grade sling plates front and rear, and a checkered blued steel shotgun-style buttplate. The left of the stock was relieved below the receiver for the previously installed side-mount. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable scrape between the belly and cheekpiece on the left. There is a small repaired chip at the toe. There are no cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel and toe, some minor scratches, minor oxidation, and well defined checkering. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is scattered stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at most edges. The barrel has some scattered minor scratches and scuffing. There are scattered tiny scratches on the bottom metal. There is some wear on the left of the receiver from the previously installed side-mount. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is ON. If pulled back all the way, the safety is OFF. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years and has also served the country in its role as a sniper rifle. It has more than earned its nickname of “the rifleman’s rifle” and is one of the most iconic rifles to date. This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Rifle chambered for the classic .30-06 cartridge and made in 1954. The rifle appears to have seen some use, with the receiver drilled and tapped for a side-mount (despite the top of the receiver being factory drilled and tapped for an optic mount). Whatever was mounted to the side of the receiver has since been removed, but the rifle retains its original open sights and provision for a receiver sight or optic mount. This should still make for a wonderful hunting rifle. Despite the modification, a pre-64 Super Grade may always have some appeal to the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
