Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .300 H&H Magnum Bolt Rifle, 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3550
LSB#: 210224DF06
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 10123
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .300 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 70, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “300 MAGNUM” and the right “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN. – PATENTED-” in front of the rear sight boss. The left-rear of the barrel is marked 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 “10123”. The bolt body is hand-scribed, the marking is worn, but “10123” can be made out. The floorplate is marked “-SUPER GRADE-“.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetailed boss at the rear of the barrel for a rear sight, but currently a blank is installed. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none included). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 57 WJS peep sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, black bakelite nosecap, European-style oval cheekpiece comb, checkered steel buttplate, and Super-Grade style sling plates inlaid front and rear. The stock has been relieved at the left of the receiver for the installed receiver sight. The stock has some scattered minor nicks and scratches. There are a few thin cracks in the top of the wrist at the rear edge of the receiver and there is repaired damage on the bottom of ths tock to each side of the front of the bottom metal. There is a small gap between the nosecap and wood, and it appears to have been re-glued in place. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear with well defined checkering. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge reads an ME of about 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has a few scattered minor nicks and scratches, most on the bottom toward the front. The receiver has some light wear on the left-front. There is some discoloration around the receiver sight, most came off easily and it appears to be either dried grease or residue from the stock’s finish. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt handle. The bottom metal has some scattered minor wear and faint surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots and there are tool marks around the mounting screws on the bottom metal. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-plus condition and would likely rate Fine but for the wear in the stock.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed to the rear, the safety is OFF. If pushed forward 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .300 Holland & Holland magnum and made in 1937. The Super Grade has nicer-grain wood with a nosecap, grip cap, cheekpiece and nicer checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles. This example has had a Lyman receiver sight installed. The rifle is in Very Good-plus condition with evidence of responsible use in the field and some minor repairs to its stock. The .300 H&H Magnum is one of the most powerful cartridges available in the early Model 70s, able to be used for any game in North America and also popular for hunting in Africa. This is a beautiful rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest, especially a Super Grade, and this would be a good addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!