Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade, Catalog No. G7051C
Serial Number: 245642
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 24” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top and left side of the receiver are drilled, tapped, and filled.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with an ebony nose cap, a capped pistol grip, a straight comb with cheekpiece, sling plates at the front and rear, and a checkered steel buttplate. The checkering is sharp. The wood shows a couple of light handling and storage marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple light handling and storage marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety has three positions: forward is Fire, all the way to the rear locks both the bolt and trigger, in the middle the trigger is locked, but the bolt can be operated. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: 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 are held in particularly high esteem.
This Vintage Pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Rifle was made in 1953 and is chambered in .22 Hornet. The .22 Hornet is an effective short-range fox or vermin cartridge that is relatively inexpensive and quiet, and for this design, the chambering is also fairly scarce, making up about 3.5% of all pre-64 Model 70 production. The Super Grade version of the Model 70 has a more attractive grain to the wood, and features an ebony nose cap, a capped pistol grip, a cheekpiece, and better checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles. This example is in Excellent condition, showing little use. It retains about 99% of its original blued finish, and has a well preserved stock, a bright bore, and strong mechanics. The fit and finish is superb, the craftsmanship is evident, and everything comes together in perfect harmony for a wonderful rifle the likes of which aren't encountered much these days. Pre-64 Model 70s garner significant collector interest, and the Super Grades even more. The Super Grades account for only 2.73% of total pre-64 Model 70 production. This is a rare and desirable Winchester, a pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade chambered in .22 Hornet.
RIFLE