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Make: Winchester
Model: Special Order 70 Super Grade
Serial Number: 255492
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 25”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield brass beaded blade (correct for Super Grade) dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has two folding "U"-notch leaves in a base screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece extra-fancy hand-checkered deluxe walnut with an ebony nose cap, a “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” hard rubber capped pistol grip, a “Monte Carlo” comb with cheekpiece, gold initial plate in the belly, sling plates at the front and rear with Super-Grade swivels, and a Winchester orangish red rubber buttpad. The stock has some light nicks and small scratches, but no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad shows light wear and discoloration, remaining fairly supple. Overall, the stock is in Fine Plus Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling on the lands. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few minor nicks and small scratches. There is some scuffing on the front sight ramp. There are light tool marks at the mounting screws. The action shows light operational wear with minor handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine Plus 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: This rifle comes with a brass display plate listing the rifle’s configuration and special order features.
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. The Super Grade version of the Model 70 has a more attractive grain to the wood, and features an ebony nose cap, a capped pistol grip, a cheekpiece, and better checkering than would be found on the Standard Rifles. The Super Grades account for only 2.73% of total pre-64 Model 70 production.
This Special Order Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Rifle was made in 1953 and is in Fine Plus Condition. It features a 25” barrel, 97% of its lustrous, original blued finish, a gorgeous special order one-piece extra-fancy hand-checkered deluxe walnut stock with an ebony nose cap, a “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” hard rubber capped pistol grip, a “Monte Carlo” comb with cheekpiece, gold initial plate in the belly, sling plates at the front and rear with Super-Grade swivels, and a Winchester orangish red rubber buttpad, clear markings, strong mechanics, and a mostly bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion (just some stubborn copper fouling on the lands). This beauty is chambered in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, one of the most powerful cartridges available in the Model 70, suitable for any game in North America, and also popular for hunting in Africa. Only 14,005 Model 70 rifles were made in .375 H&H Magnum (about 2.41% of total pre-64 production). As mentioned, this stunning rifle has three “special order” features, namely the custom deluxe walnut, extra fancy checkering pattern, and gold monogram plate in the belly. We bet even Hemingway would’ve been proud to have this Model 70 on his African safari, or in his gun rack at home.