
Winchester Model 70 Custom Express Classic .458 Win Mag 22” Rifle & Box
SOLD FOR: $2,750
LSB#: 231222DH513
Make: Winchester Custom Shop
Model: 70 Custom Safari Express (Pre 64 style action)
Serial Number: G2335
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle Fed By Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 22” Match Grade
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade in a serrated ramped mount fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a three leaf express sight, dovetailed to a raised mount. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled to accommodate mounts for rings and optics (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered Semi Fancy American Walnut featuring a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb with a cheek piece and black rubber buttpad. It has a satin polyurethane finish. The wood shows a couple light handling marks. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. This stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Matte Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple of light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a gray plastic Winchester hard case with gray foam interior, its original serial matching outer brown cardboard box, gun lock, sling loops, manual and other paperwork. The hard case is in great shape, the outer cardboard box shows some tears and creases, remaining in Good usable condition. This Model 70 includes a letter from the Winchester Custom Shop, please see photos.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. It has more than earned its nickname of “the rifleman’s rifle” and is one of the most iconic rifles around. This example is a Custom Express Classic chambered for .458 Win Mag, featuring a 22” match grade barrel, semi-fancy American walnut checkered wood stock, hand honed action, Wolff firing pin spring, controlled feed extraction, special custom shop proof stamp, 3 leaf rear express sight with adjustable front sight with hood, two re-enforcing cross bolts and detachable sling swivels. Efforts were made to set things back to rights when it came to the Model 70 and this model has the feature of the lauded control-feed bolt. This example was manufactured in the year 2000 and includes its original factory box and letter from Winchester. Chambered as it is in the robust .458 Winchester Mag, perfect for use against heavy thick skinned African game species such as elephant, rhinoceros and African Cape buffalo. By appearances, this rifle appears to have spent more time in the box than out, as there are only a few light handling marks. The rifle rates in Outstanding condition and looks great, this will make for a powerful addition to a Winchester or hunting rifle collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
-Robert
