Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight, Catalog No. G7025CN
Serial Number: 327706
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 22” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to 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 a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a checkered black alloy buttplate. The checkering is sharp. There are a few light handling and storage marks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows a couple minor scrapes and scuffs. This stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Black Alloy Floorplate, Trigger Guard Assembly, & Buttplate
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98-99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a few light handling marks. The trigger guard shows light edge wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The manual safety functions correctly. 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 Featherweight Rifle was made in 1955 and is chambered in .358 Winchester. The rifle is in Excellent shape, showing little use, and retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. The Featherweight was quite popular, making up nearly 25% of all pre-64 Model 70s, but the .358 Winchester caliber is significantly scarce, with only 2,000 such rifles made, comprising only about a third of 1% of said pre-64 Model 70 production. The .358 Winchester is also a great hunting cartridge, especially if you need a round that will perform well through heavy brush. While it would still make a great hunting rifle, this high condition, rare caliber “Featherweight” is truly a “collector grade” pre-64 Winchester Model 70.
RIFLE