Winchester Model 70 Target 26″ Extra Heavy .308 Win. Bolt Action Rifle 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,350
WOA#: WY240303JP016
Make: Winchester’s Custom Shop
Model: 70 Target Rifle
Serial Number: G1381026
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Blind Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER MODEL 70 – 308 WIN.- / MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top-rear of the barrel is marked with an ovalled “WP”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “G1381026”, the bolt is marked “026” on the bottom.
Barrel Length: 26?, Heavy Profile with Counter-Bored Muzzle. Approximately 1.14? at the front edge of the receiver tapering to 0.88? at the muzzle.
Sights / Optics: The muzzle-end of the barrel is drilled and tapped with a sight block installed. There is a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes in the rear of the barrel for sight/optic mounts (not present). There is a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes at the left-rear of the receiver for a receiver sight (not present). The chamber ring and bridge are drilled and tapped with Weaver bases and rings holding a Weaver T16 16x scope with duplex reticle. The scope has some light wear on the body, the glass is fairly clear but could use a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom smooth deluxe walnut with an inlet accessory rail in the bottom of the forend, pistol grip, roll-over monte carlo comb and black rubber Mershon White Line buttpad. The grip has a palm-swell and thumb-rest for a right-handed shooter. The action and rear of the barrel are bedded in the stock with the remainder of the barrel floating. A combination hand-stop/sling-swivel is installed on the accessory rail. The stock is cut below the left of the receiver for a receiver sight mount. The stock has some scattered minor marks, but no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stock is in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Matte Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The metal shows scattered minor scuffs and handling marks. There is residue on the left-rear of the receiver at the receiver sight mounting point. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described.
Our Assessment: This is a quite interesting Winchester Model 70. Its 26″ Extra Heavy profile barrel was used on the Ultra Match and Palma Match rifles but, while the 1978 vintage receiver has a clip-guide, it does not have the provision for an externally adjusted trigger. The action and rear of the barrel have been bedded in a beautiful custom walnut target stock and the rifle is topped with a vintage Weaver T16 scope. This will make a great addition to a collection of long range competition rifles. With such a limited number of these barrels made, an opportunity such as this doesn’t come by every day. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud