Winchester Model 70 Classic SM .375 H&H Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1993-1996
SOLD FOR: $1301
LSB#: 211210DC13
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Classic SM (Synthetic Matte)
Serial Number: G38817
Year of Manufacture: 1993-1996
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: Left barrel shoulder marked “—WINCHESTER® MODEL 70 375 H&H MAG.— / —MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CT U.S.A.”. Right barrel shoulder marked “—CLASSIC SM—”. Receiver left side marked “WINCHESTER / —TRADE MARK—”. Chamber ring right side marked with serial number, “G38817”. Bolt underside marked with serial number, hand-scribed “8817”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The barrel is drilled, tapped, and filled at either end for mounting iron sights (none included). The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled with two-piece rails that have attached scope rings, though no optic is installed or included.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered black composite stock with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a checkered black rubber recoil pad. There are only a few notable marks including a drag line on the left side below the receiver as well as a few minor nicks on the right side of the buttstock. The checkering is well-defined. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and 12 1/2” to the back of the buttstock. The pad is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stock rates is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Matte
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has scattered minor nicks and scuffs mainly in the areas where sights are mounted. The receiver has a few light scuffs under the markings as well as a very minor dusting of surface oxidation. Screws are sharp. Markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a three-position safety on the right-rear of the control feed bolt. 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, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a rather stealthy looking Winchester Model 70 Classic rifle made sometime between 1993 and 1996, and in particular is the “Classic SM”, denoting its synthetic matte finish. during the transitional period that saw Winchester reorganize and revise processes in order to stay afloat. This Model 70 does away with all the hallmarks of the cost-saving measures adopted by Winchester in 1965, at least in terms of the action, which returns to the fabled control feed bolt. This “Classic XM” is indeed stealthy looking, the only contrasting color being the jeweled portion bolt visible through the ejection port, but is otherwise dark, and chambered in .375 Holland & Holland—apparently, the… Queen of the Medium Bores?—it is ideal for tracking and taking down any of the Big Five Game. The rifle is in Fine-plus condition with very little wear, the bore is bright with sharp rifling—a handsome rifle from a nostalgic period in Winchester’s long history. Good luck and happy bidding!