Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard, “Westerner”, Catalog No. G7045
Serial Number: 488100
Year of Manufacture: 1960, First Year Offered
Caliber: .264 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 26” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, 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 checkered black plastic buttplate. The checkering is sharp. The wood shows a few light scuffs and scratches. 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 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 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98-99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple light scuffs and scratches. 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 “Westerner” Rifle was made in 1960 and is chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum. The following information courtesy of the erudite gun writer Craig Boddington: “Announced in 1958, the .264 Winchester Magnum hit the market a few years later amid one of the biggest media blitzes the industry had seen. Introduced in a “new” version of Winchester’s beloved Model 70, the .264’s rifle partner was dubbed the “Westerner”, unique because of its 26” barrel. The cartridge was based on Winchester’s stubby .458 Win Mag, necked down and sized to fit a .30-06-length action. The timing was right for the .264, as at that time, the public craved velocity, and “magnum” was the new watchword.” With its high velocity, lesser recoil, and excellent ballistics coefficient, the belted .264 Win Mag is suitable for any game animal in North America, and makes a fine long-range target round as well. The “Westerner” version of the Model 70 is also fairly rare, comprising only about 3.5% of total pre-64 Model 70 production. This rifle is in Excellent condition, showing little use, and with a great bore and strong mechanics. This is a fantastic example of a scarce first year Winchester “Westerner” in the (at the time) brand new .264 Winchester Magnum cartridge. While this beauty could still easily bag some game, with its high condition, it should be of great interest to Winchester collectors.
RIFLE