Winchester Model 70 M70 Magnum, Beautifully Engraved Custom Blue & Gold 23 3/4” Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed Rifle, MFD 1975
Sold For: $2,115.00
LSB#: 161011SB01
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Magnum
Serial Number: G12449465
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (http://www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year-2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf)
Caliber: .375 H&H Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 70 -375 H&H MAGNUM / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The left of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, the inside of the bridge is marked “SS” and a series of numbers, the right side of the receiver is hand etched with serial number “G12449465”, the right of the magazine insert is marked “E”. Gold band inlay bordering is observed on the sights, muzzle area of the barrel and on the receiver. The top of the receiver has a sculpted gold inlay of an ox, there is another sculpted inlay on the floorplate which depicts the bust of an elephant. There is tasteful scroll engraving on the components, please see our pictures of this beautiful rifle! The recoil pad is marked “TRADE MARK / WHITE LINE / PACHMAYR / GUN WORKS / LOS ANGELES I5, CALIFORNIA U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: The barrel measures approximately 23 3/4″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, which is integral to a base that is dovetailed onto a high profile serrated ramp base, which is screw secured to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched Express style sight with two flip up leafs for 200 and 300 yard adjustment on the fly; the base is screw set to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock has absolutely beautiful grain, featuring a black forend tip and engraved metal grip cap, set on a black base, both sporting white spacers. There are QD swivel studs on the underside of the belly and forend. The left of the butt area shows a very faint repair with an area of natural grain fibers that look to have been filled and polished; this goes unnoticed until close inspection. The stock has infrequent light compression and scuff marks, again not warranting attention until a close look. The checkers of the pistol grip and forend have light compression, the butt has a beautifully sculpted Monte Carlo comb. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the red Pachmayr ventilated rubber recoil pad; the pad is set with a white and black spacer, exhibiting sharp fit to the wood; whoever did the work on this stock knew what they were doing, the grip cap and spacers fit nicely as well. The stock rates in about Fine to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with Scroll Engraving, Gold Inlay & Jeweled Bolt Body
Finish Originality: We contacted Winchester and there was no record of this engraving having been done at the factory, the rifle has been professionally refinished after engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The barrel has a couple of small rub wear areas on the underside. There are only a few instances of polishing blemishes under the finish, whoever did the work on this rifle took care not to disturb the factory markings. The engraving work is done quite well, there are a few incomplete background cross hatching blemishes but in all, this one catches the eye!. The screw heads are sharp but for the forward trigger guard screw, which has mild tooling, still serviceable overall. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition as having been refinished after engraving.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisp at 1lb 11oz, with almost no take up. The bolt glides with fluidity. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 has been an American classic since 1935, having become a class leading bolt action rifle, and revered by some as ‘near perfect’. Surpassing such a legacy is difficult, but when you factor in custom engraving, a choice wood stock, beautiful, strong bore and gold inlaid features to top off a ‘perfect rifle’, you step into another realm of cool. This rifle’s work was done professionally, with only a few indications to hint that it was ever refinished outside of the factory. With its .375 H&H Magnum bore, any large North American and even African game, are up for grabs; from Wikipedia “The .375 H&H often is cited as one of the most useful all-round rifle cartridges, especially in shooting large and dangerous game.[4] With relatively light bullets in the region of 235 to 270 grains (15 to 17 g), it is a flat-shooting, fairly long-range cartridge ideal for use on light to medium game, whereas with heavy bullets of 300 grains (19 g) and greater, it has the punch necessary for large, thick-skinned dangerous game. In many regions with thick-skinned dangerous game animals, the .375 H&H is seen as the minimum acceptable caliber, and in many places (in Africa, primarily) it is now the legal minimum for hunting such game. African game guides, professional hunters, and cullers of dangerous game have repeatedly voted the .375 H&H as their clear preference for an all-round caliber if they could only have one rifle. A similar preference has been expressed by Alaskan game guides for brown bear and polar bear country[3]”. This rifle turns heads at the shop each time we show it off to our customers, it should do great in any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
