The Winchester Model 70, known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle”, is one of the most iconic American sporting rifles ever made. It was introduced in 1936 as Winchester’s new and significantly improved bolt-action rifle chambered in big calibers, firing high velocity cartridges capable of taking big game, and for use in so-called big-bore target matches. The Model 70 has been prized by hunters and shooters alike for nearly 90 years, and is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. Pre-64 examples of the Winchester Model 70 have long been held in particularly high esteem, leading Roger C. Rule to write an authoritative reference book on the subject, published in 1982. Exactly 100 “Author’s Deluxe Series” First Editions of that book were signed and distributed by the author to his friends, his family, and fellow Winchester collecting acquaintances, and any of those copies remain scarce and desirable today. This Signed, First Edition, #2 of 100 Author’s Deluxe Series “The Rifleman's Rifle” Winchester Model 70 Leatherette Hardcover Reference Book is in Very Good condition, withthe corners and edges showing some light bending and indenting, and the back cover showing a couple small compressions. The pages are clean, with a couple bent corners and some light staining.The book covers the history, development, and variations of the Winchester Model 70 rifle, and is widely considered the best reference book on the subject. Published in 1982 by Alliance Books Incorporated of Northridge, California, it’s an invaluable resource for any Model 70 or Winchester collector. This particular copy is a wonderful and unique piece of firearms history. The flyleaf is inscribed and autographed “Author’s Deluxe Series / #2 of 100 / Roger C. Rule”. The title page is autographed again, this time with an embossed stamp “Library of Roger C. Rule”. A hand signed letter from Roger C. Rule to the original collector in whose library this book resided is also included. The letter was sent with the book when it was originally purchased from Roger C. Rule in 2008. A fine example of a rare piece, a Signed, First Edition, #2 of 100 Author’s Deluxe Series “The Rifleman's Rifle” Winchester Model 70 Leatherette Hardcover Reference Book.
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