Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Varmint G7012CN .243 Bolt Action Rifle, 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500.01
LSB#: 210412RW01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70, Varmint Rifle
Serial Number: 509327
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action 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-”, and “MODEL-70 – 243 WIN.-”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the left side of the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “509327”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 26″ Medium Heavy
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield globe-style sight with aperture insert mounted to a male dovetail base at the muzzle. The chamber ring and the rear of the barrel are each drilled and tapped with male dovetail bases installed for mounting an optic (none present). The bridge of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled, The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Redfield aperture receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with a pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, a checkered black hard rubber buttplate and sling swivels mounted front and rear. The stock’s checkering appears to be re-cut. The stock has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with spots of stubborn residue. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally well defined, but slightly smoothed. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering. The stock rates in about Very Good 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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has a few scattered light scuffs and scratches. There are scattered tiny voids in the finish consistent with minor surface oxidation which has been cleaned out. The bottom metal has a few scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Varmint rifle made in 1961 and chambered in .243 Winchester. The rifle has a medium-heavy barrel which leads to quite a bit of weight for such a small bore. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. The rifle has been equipped with Redfield target sights, which should combine with the great bore to make for a tack-driver. There is also provision for a variety of other sight types, though no other sights are included. The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 actions are prized by shooters and collectors alike for their smoothness and reliability, and this one is no exception. The .243 Winchester is based on the .308 case and takes advantage of the excellent ballistics found in projectiles from 6mm to 6.5mm (.243 being approximately 6.2mm). It is a very flat shooting cartridge compared to the larger .308 Winchester and is suitable for varmint with lighter projectiles and deer and even wild hogs with heavier bullets. It is also a good cartridge for long-distance precision due to its high velocity and excellent ballistics. With the heavier barrel of the model 70 Varmint, this rifle is probably more suited to taking out varmints from long range or precision shooting than hunting which will involve much in the way of tracking or stalking. In its condition it would also make a great addition to a Model 70 collection missing the 26″ Medium Heavy Varmint rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!