Pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .30-06 24″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,225.00
LSB#: LSB251204AC006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 222238
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Caliber: 30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield beaded blade, dovetailed to a textured, hooded ramp, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is an U-notch sight, with elevator. The rear sight has been removed for scope use but is included. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. There is a Leupold 3-9×40 VariX II mounted in Redfield mounts. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece walnut, checkered, semi pistol grip, cheekpiece, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. There are sling mounts installed. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from the trigger to the back of the buttplate.There are scratches, handling marks, and compression dents throughout. There is some finish loss on the ebony tip. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stock rates in Very Good condition for a C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 4rd Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. There are light handling marks, scratches, and very light corrosion freckles. The bolt knob shows some wear. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but all retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope as described above.
Our Assessment: The Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade represents the height of classic American sporting rifle craftsmanship, and this 1952 example falls squarely within the golden era of post war production. Serial number 222238 places it firmly in the desirable pre 1964 controlled round feed period, with the forged receiver, full length claw extractor, and hinged floorplate that earned the Model 70 its reputation as the “Rifleman’s Rifle.” Chambered in .30-06 Springfield with a 24 inch barrel, this Super Grade pairs one of America’s most enduring big game cartridges, introduced in 1906, with Winchester’s premier sporting platform. The rifle retains its factory style open sights, including a Redfield beaded blade front on a hooded ramp and the original rear sight, which has been removed for scope use but is included.
This rifle retains approximately 90 percent of its original blued finish, showing light handling marks, scattered scratches, and very light corrosion freckling. The bolt knob shows honest wear, and the screw heads are lightly tooled but retain serviceable slots. Markings remain clear and legible. The one piece checkered walnut Super Grade stock with semi pistol grip, cheekpiece, straight comb, ebony fore end tip, and checkered steel buttplate shows scratches, compression dents, and some finish loss at the ebony tip, but no chips or cracks. Sling mounts are installed, and the length of pull measures 13 1/2 inches. Overall, the stock rates Very Good for a C&R rifle.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, with only light fouling present. Mechanically, the action and safety function correctly. A Leupold Vari X II 3-9×40 scope is mounted in Redfield mounts, and while optic function cannot be guaranteed, it complements the rifle’s traditional big game configuration. In .30-06 Springfield, the Model 70 Super Grade became synonymous with North American hunting in the mid twentieth century, valued for its reliability, balance, and refined lines. This 1952 Pre 64 Super Grade remains a strong representative of Winchester’s premier sporting rifle lineage. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF