Winchester 70 Super Grade .300 H&H mag 26″ Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,126.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL006
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 101899
Year of Manufacture: 1949, C&R.
Caliber: .300 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN, U.S. OF AMERICA – WINCHESTER – MODEL 70 – 300 MAGNUM / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“, along with a circled “WP” proof. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The floorplate is marked “- SUPER GRADE -“.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman white beaded blade, dovetailed to a textured ramp, screwed to the barrel. The front sight is not original to the rifle, as Model 70’s of this era were fitted with Redfield gold beaded blade front sights. The rear sight has been removed, and the dovetail has been plugged with a Lyman plug. The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for optics, and the side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. The drilled and tapped hole on the rear of the receiver is not original to the rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, no buttplate, an ebony tipped checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The butt of the stock has been cut, and the buttplate removed. The LOP measures 12 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The Super Grade stock that is currently attached to the barreled action is not the original stock. It appears to be a replacement Super Grade stock. There is evidence of this, as the internal magazine box does not fit flush inside the stock, and the floorplate does not fit properly. There is a slight bend in the floorplate due to the rear action screw not being flush with the bottom metal. The hinged floorplate still opens and closes, it’s just a bit stiff. The screw does not screw down any further, and it is tight. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches, dings and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fair to Good condition, due to the reasons mentioned above.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light thinning of the finish towards the muzzle, and light operational wear on the bolt. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. However, the safety is a bit stiff. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade stands among the most respected American sporting rifles ever produced, and this 1949 example in .300 H&H Magnum reflects the golden era of New Haven craftsmanship. Built on the controlled round feed action with the long magnum receiver and 26 inch barrel, it was purpose-made for powerful, flat-shooting cartridges suited to open country and international hunting. The .300 Holland & Holland Magnum, introduced in 1925, was one of the earliest belted magnums and became a benchmark for velocity and reliability in dangerous game and plains rifles alike. By the late 1940s, the Super Grade variant represented Winchester’s top tier offering, distinguished by higher grade walnut and refined finishing touches.
This rifle retains approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish, with light thinning at the muzzle and modest operational wear on the bolt. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.75 out of 10. The metal remains largely intact with clear markings and circled WP proofs. The current Super Grade stock is a replacement and has been shortened to a 12 1/2 inch length of pull; fitment issues are present with the magazine box and floorplate, and the rear action screw stands proud, causing slight distortion in the bottom metal. The safety is functional but somewhat stiff. The front sight has been replaced with a Lyman white bead, the rear sight removed and plugged, and additional drilled and tapped holes are present for optics and receiver sight installation. Mechanically the rifle functions correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.