Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle, “Alaskan”, Catalog No. G7035
Serial Number: 520801
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 25” 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 folding “U”-notch sight with a white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to a boss at 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 “Monte Carlo” high comb, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a Winchester ventilated orange rubber buttpad. The checkering is sharp. The wood shows a few light handling and storage marks. There is a chip in the middle bottom front edge of the grip. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. This stock rates in about Fine to 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. The bore shows some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98-99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple light handling and storage marks. There are a few small spots of light oxidation near the front sight. 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 Standard “Alaskan” Rifle was made in 1961 and is chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum. Winchester developed that round in 1958, and it was tailor-made specifically for use in the Model 70. In mid-1959, Winchester announced the “Alaskan” style Model 70, chambered in the new .338 Win Mag cartridge and with a 25” barrel, and it first made it into Winchester catalogs in 1960. .338 Win Mag is considered one of the finest calibers for brown bear, and is one of the most popular medium-bore cartridges in North America. The .338 Win Mag “Alaskan” is also fairly scarce, with only 9,525 such rifles made, comprising only 1.64% of total pre-64 Model 70 production. This is a classic rifle in a great hunting cartridge that is ready to bag some game. Its high condition and scarce caliber would also make it a great addition to a Winchester collection.
RIFLE