Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard (Symbol No. G7006C)
Serial Number: 52018
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: .257 Roberts
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 a boss at the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The chamber ring is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic (none installed). The bridge is not drilled. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (none installed).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivels mounted at the front and rear, and a checkered steel buttplate. The stock has only a few minor marks, most notable at the toe. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well-defined. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has strong finish and well defined checkering. Overall, the stock rates in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates an 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear and there are a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed to the rear, the safety is OFF. If pushed forward all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and 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 Standard Rifle was manufactured in 1946 and is chambered in .257 Roberts. Invented by Ned Roberts, the .257 Roberts cartridge was made from the 7mm Mauser case but necked down to .250" or "quarter bore". The result is a great all-around hunting cartridge that is still popular with hand-loaders today. For this design, the chambering is also fairly scarce, making up about 2.5% of all pre-64 Model 70 production. This rifle would still be a great game-getter, but in Fine Plus condition, it would make an even better addition to a Winchester Model 70 collection.
RIFLE