Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .375 Holland & Holland Magnum (H&H Mag.) Bolt Action Safari Big Game Rifle MFD 1952, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,605
LSB#: 150212CB03
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: Model 70
Serial Number: 226905
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “226905”. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” and “MODEL-70-375 H&H MAGNUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The left side of the barrel and receiver marked with a Circle “WP” proof. The magazine floor plate is marked “SUPER GRADE”.
Barrel Length: 25” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver beaded blade dovetail set to a base fixed to the barrel. The base is slotted to accept a hood, but no hood is present. The rear sight is white diamond flip-up leaf with “U” notch inset dovetailed into a mount screwed into the barrel. Tapped holes for scope bases are visible on the front and rear of the receiver. No scope rings are provided.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece checkered pistol grip stock features a cheek piece for a right handed shooter, a plastic grip end cap and a black forend tip. A crack appears in the forend tip along with handling marks and mars in the finish. The grip cap is in Very Good condition. Flush mounted sling swivels are screwed into grooves the belly and underside of the forend. The deluxe checkering wraps around the top of the grip and around the underside of the forend, where a diamond design encompasses the screw hole. Marks in the finish can be found on the underside of the forend just behind the tip and on the right side of the stock above the magazine floor plate, as well as on the left side of the stock. The forend checkering shows mars and flattened points from use. Strong handling marks and spots of finish loss are apparent on the buttstock. Two notable marks are apparent on the belly and marks through the finish are present under the lower edge of the cheek piece. A ring of finish thinning is visible at the butt. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad which features a smooth rear face with a Winchester logo. The rear face has a waxy sheen and exhibits mild evidence of use. The rubber is firm and pliable and the recoil pad is in Very Good condition. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The finish on the receiver is original, the barrel has been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is a ring of erosion at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 74% of its metal finish. A ring of finish loss is visible at the muzzle with a dense cluster of marks through the finish on the left side at the muzzle. Two tight clusters of small marks into the metal are visible below the finish on right side of the barrel and numerous deep marks in the metal are evident on the top and left side of the barrel. Shallow marks in the finish are visible on the receiver and a couple marks into the metal are apparent on the left side of the receiver. Handling marks and spots of surface erosion are present on the magazine floor plate and handling marks are visible on the trigger guard. The bolt handle exhibits finish loss. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: An improvement on the Model 54, Winchester began shipping the Model 70 in January 1, 1937. The Model 70 has become one of the most popular hunting rifles ever produced. This is a Pre-1964 Model 70 chambered in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum which is often cited as being one of the most useful all-round rifle cartridges, especially suited to shooting large and dangerous game. With relatively light bullets, it is a flat-shooting, fairly long-range cartridge ideal for use on light to medium game, whereas when loaded with heavy bullets of 300 grains and greater, it has the punch necessary for large, thick-skinned dangerous game. This rifle is in Good condition, retaining 74% of its current metal finish. The bore is good but for a ring of erosion at the muzzle and the cosmetic marks. Winchester manufactured the Model 70 with different length barrels, depending on the caliber. The original Sporter weight barrels for the .375 H&H rounds were too thin and expanded under the pressure of ignition. Winchester caught the problem very quickly and as a result all the .375 H&H barrels are 25” in length with thicker walls. This rifle has seen a lot of use but appears to be in good working condition. With the addition of a good scope, this would make a great hunting rifle for next season.
