In House Shipping:
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 “Alaskan”, Catalog No. G7035
Serial Number: 520812
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine and Hinged Floorplate
Barrel Length: 25”, 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 Lyman 16B folding “U”-notch sight with white triangle aiming reference, adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage in its dovetail on a boss at the rear of the barrel. The top of the chamber ring, top of the receiver bridge, and left side of the receiver are drilled, tapped and filled for scope mounts (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, fluted “Monte Carlo” comb, sling swivels at the front and rear, and Winchester orangish red rubber buttpad. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are some scattered little marks through the finish and a couple minor scratches. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has some minor wear and discoloration but is still fairly supple. Overall, the stock rates in about Fine Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bolt is serial-matching. Most of the finish is strong and complete. There are some minor spots of oxidation on the bottom metal, and a few minor spots of oxidation on the bolt. The barrel has a couple minor scratches. There are some light marks. There are some areas of thinning. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action 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 Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 “Alaskan” Rifle was made in 1961 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 25” barrel, 99% of its lustrous, original blued finish, an elegant one-piece checkered walnut stock with a pistol grip, fluted “Monte Carlo” comb, and Winchester orangish red rubber buttpad, clear markings, strong mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. This beauty 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 Model 70 “Alaskan”, chambered in the new .338 Win Mag cartridge and with a 25” barrel, and it first made it into Winchester catalogs in 1960. The .338 Win Mag round 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 Model 70 “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.