Pre-War 1935 Winchester Model 70 .22 Hornet Bolt Action Rifle
Our Assessment: This a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Carbine; this example has a receiver MANUFACTURED in 1937. Chambered in .22 Hornet, a lesser known cartridge but one that is by all accounts extremely accurate. It was once cited to be the most accurate centerfire cartridge the technicians at Winchester had ever seen. This rifle is in excellent condition as restored, retaining the great majority of its new finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. The Pre-64 Winchesters have sincere collector interest, especially a .22 Hornet Carbine such as this one, and this would be a wonderful addition—or an incredible start—to a Winchester collection. Good luck and happy bidding!
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 70 Carbine
Serial Number: 10861
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 20"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped, hooded base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The chamber ring, but not the bridge, is drilled, tapped and filled for 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 checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few minor marks with no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about excellent overall condition as restored.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. There is wear on the extractor as from tuning. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about excellent condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE