Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 M70 Super Grade, Blue 25” Bolt Action Internal Magazine Rifle, MFD 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,105.00
LSB#: 160615PW05
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 401954
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (http://proofhouse.com/win/index.html)
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MODEL-70—458 WIN. MAGNUM-“, with “WP” in oval, which is found again on the left side of the receiver, which is also marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side has the serial number. The bolt body is hand etched with the serial number, the underside of the bolt handle is marked “R”. The recoil pad is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / PAT. JUNE 6, 1922”.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto a serrated ramp base, which is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched Express-style blade on a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the receiver has four drilled, tapped and screw-filled holes, the left side of the receiver has two drilled, tapped and screw-filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a checkered walnut item with an ebony nose cap and blued pistol grip cap. The comb is Monte Carlo and has a left side cheek piece. The wood is select, as is common with Super Grade rifles; there is a sling swivel base mounted on the belly, which is holding a QD Winchester swivel; the forward swivel is mounted to the underside of the barrel. The stock has wrap-around checkering on the forend and pistol grip. The stock shows some light marks on the ebony cap, the other surfaces display extremely light scuffs which go unnoticed until close inspection, please see our pictures, there are no cracks or chip losses. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the red rubber shotgun-style recoil pad; the pad is set with a black spacer and has exceptional fit to the stock, rating in Excellent condition. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Jeweled Bolt & Magazine Follower
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some scuff marks on the front sight hood, barrel and floorplate, which also has a small mark at the hinge. The bolt handling has a small amount of handling wear. This rifle looks to have been shot infrequently and was well taken care of in the interim. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are two Winchester quick disconnect sling swivels which show a few spots of wear, rating in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: You are bidding on an absolutely beautiful pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade that has about 98% of its blued finish remaining, with a nicely jeweled bolt and magazine follower. The stock has but a few tiny marks with no chips or cracks, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. Super Grade rifles are given extra attention during finishing, with a finely checkered fancy walnut stock that has an ebony forend cap and a blued steel pistol grip cap. This rifle looks to have spent most of its life in proper storage and will most likely end up with a collector, however it would be difficult to own and not shoot this vintage beauty, which is chambered in .458 Winchester Magnum; from Wikipedia “The .458 Winchester Magnum was designed for use against heavy thick skinned African game species such as elephant, rhinoceros and African Cape buffalo. The exceptional sectional density of the 500 gr (32 g) bullet combined with a muzzle velocity of between 1,950–2,250 ft/s (590–690 m/s) provides the cartridge adequate penetration on these dangerous game species. Rifles produced for this cartridge usually weighed under 11 lb (5.0 kg). The combination of these factors helped the .458 Winchester Magnum become the most popular dangerous game cartridge on the African continent.[3]” Please see our pictures and good luck.
