Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard Rifle, Catalog No. G7032CN
Serial Number: 507175
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .243 Winchester
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 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” comb, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a checkered black plastic buttplate. The checkering is sharp. The stock shows a few minor compressions and scuff 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. The buttplate shows light wear. This stock rates in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. The bore shows stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates an 8.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows a few light scuffs and scratches. There are some light freckles on the barrel. 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 Rifle was made in 1961 and is chambered in .243 Winchester. The .243 Win was developed as a versatile short action cartridge to hunt both medium and small game alike. It "took whitetail hunting by storm" when introduced in 1955, and remains one of the most popular whitetail deer cartridges. This example is in Excellent condition, showing light use. While this would still make a great hunting rifle, the Pre-64 Winchesters garner significant collector interest, and this example would be a nice addition to a Winchester collection.
RIFLE