Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter 300 H&H mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1988
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB251012JH034
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 XTR Sporter
Serial Number: G1891551
Year of Manufacture: 1988 (https://www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/winchester-firearm-manufacture-dates.pdf)
Caliber: .300 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 70 XTR SPORTER 300 H&H MAGNUM / – MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL -“. The top of the chamber has a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5–10x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Leupold base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, vented rubber buttpad, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout. The checkering remains well defined, though there are a couple dings in the checkering on the left side of the wrist. The finish is largely intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
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 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces. There is one ding on the muzzle crown. The bolt was jeweled from the factory, but has been reblued over. The bolt appears to be the only portion of the rifle that isn’t originally finished. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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: This rifle comes with the sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Late-1980s Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporters represent some of the finest production rifles to emerge from New Haven during the post-1964 era, and chambered in the classic .300 H&H Magnum, this example combines accuracy, nostalgia, and ballistic authority in a highly appealing package. The .300 H&H, introduced in 1925 as Holland & Holland’s “Super .30”, was the first true magnum rifle cartridge and served as the parent case for many of today’s magnums, including the .300 Winchester Magnum. Renowned for its smooth feeding, mild-for-magnum recoil impulse, and excellent long-range performance, the .300 H&H maintains a dedicated following among hunters and collectors who appreciate traditional magnum cartridges.
This 1988 Model 70 XTR Sporter retains roughly 97 percent of its original bluing, with small handling marks and a single ding on the muzzle crown. The walnut stock remains tight and attractive, showing light field wear and crisp checkering aside from a couple of impressions at the wrist. The bore is exceptional; bright, sharp, and free of erosion, consistent with a rifle that exhibits careful use. The bolt, originally jeweled, has been reblued, making it the one non-original finish component; however, functionally, the action remains smooth with proper safety operation.
The mounted Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope is an ideal pairing for the rifle’s ballistic capability, offering clear optics and a versatile magnification range suitable for everything from open-country elk hunting to long-range steel. Combined with sling, bases, and rings, this rifle is ready for the field.
With its desirable chambering, excellent bore, classic XTR styling, and refined late–New Haven manufacturing quality, this Model 70 offers both practical hunting performance and collectible appeal, especially for those who appreciate the heritage of the .300 H&H Magnum. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
