Nice Pre-64 1946 Winchester Model 70 .300 Savage 24" Cloverleaf Tang Bolt Action Rifle
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. It has more than earned its nickname of "The Riflemans Rifle", a true icon. This a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifle chambered in .300 Savage and made in 1946. The .300 Savage was ahead of its time, being quite similar to the .308 Winchester cartridge. It needed to be shorter than the .30-06 in order to fit the receiver of the Savage Model 99 lever action rifle, but would also be chambered in the Winchester Model 70. This rifle shows wear consistent with light use and looks great for its age. The bore has been re-lined, having strong rifling and infrequent minor erosion. As a fairly scarce chambering, this will likely see interest from Winchester collectors. It will also still make for a great deer rifle for at least another lifetime.
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: 55142
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: .300 Savage
Action Type: Bolt Action
Barrel Length: 24"
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 "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The chamber ring is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic (none present), but the bridge is not. 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 a pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling studs front and rear. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of finish loss and a tiny loss at the toe. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, mostly around the edges and at the heel. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore has been re-lined. The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some finish loss at the muzzle. There are a few little spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some little nicks and scratches. The bolt knob has light handling wear and the action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
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