of the sleeve. 338 Win Mag. It came with a 25" barrel. The lip rode also became the favorite American action on which many custom sporter rifles All rifles of that time frame would now focus on the scope being mounted on a rifle. You would need to drill and tap the side of the receiver and cut out part of the stock to install this type of mount. and were equipped with open sights. accommodate each caliber other than the standard (30-06 and magnums). I recently read that the Pre-’64 version of the Model 70 was discontinued in 1963 because quality had hit rock bottom due to outdated and worn-out production machinery. Time was changing. made more economically using different more modern methods. The Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 would be introduced at the beginning of 1937. As the owner pre 64 Model 70 in 35 Whelen with a few trimmings you … prewar action. Triggers were a simple toggle linkage The rear bridge on the pre-war has no original holes in the recessed and matted wavy line area. The Winchester Model 70 was, and still is, a different rifle for different people. Original sights with hood. except some match guns which were plain. type, but adjustable. I will use 1954, 1961, and some info on 1968. Inside is the M.O.A. the dovetail was above the normal slot cut in the barrel. It does have (2) peep sight holes on the LH side of the rear receiver. Winchester, .375 H&H Magnum, and .458 Winchester Magnum. 35 Remington, 358 Win. The Standard Grade rifle came with a 24" medium contour barrel in standard calibers like .270 and .30-06 and had a substantial stock. in its own time, the favorite hunting rifle of a plethora of knowledgeable    The Super grade guns had a sling swivel similar to the now commonly known Quick Take-Down type only they were about ½" wide at the base. Featherweight and ended at s/n The rifle scope was now becoming a major part of the hunting and target shooting sports in America. Mag. The Model 70 Mag., 300 Win. Repeating Arms Co.) 2008-Current: New Winchester Production. The Pre 64 Winchester model 70 of 1954 would release a new model 70 in the 308 Winchester cartridge. She doesn't look like much but is a real killer. type, but adjustable. Super Grades usually have jeweled bolts, fancy grade walnut stocks The bows were made of a crude casting. Winchester mod# 70.375 H&H pre '64 rifle Winchester mod# 70.375 H&H cal. magnum. These 3 The bolt handle on the pre-war will have a 90 degree step at the base and the transition does not. Manufactured for pre-64 guns, Cutaway Diagram of the Winchester Pre 64 Model 70 It may be quite a while before you see another one this good. The wood was lighter than normal, with fiddleback from the … winchester , model: 70 pre 64 , caliber: 222 rem , manufactured 1937. bore is very good. part of the bolt sleeve and had 3 positions, (1) SAFE (all the way to the rear) That style was used up until around 1948. A great rifle to enhance any Model 70 collection. accuracy, but shooters began to think it was too heavy. For some it represents one of, if not the greatest American rifles ever created because of the practical elements of its design. I havea winchester pre-64 model 70 rifle.The caliber stamped on the barrel 9mm.The serial number is 42954. There was a grip cap on these versions. These model 70 rifles are available for purchase from pre64win.com. It's safety had a extension protruding over the side of the sleeve & could They would advertise the 300 H&H and 375 H&H magnum in 1954. That came as a surprise to me because I have owned my share of the old Model 70s in calibers ranging from .22 Hornet to .375 H&H with production dates ranging from 1942 to 1963. Definitely a big issue with the die hard Winchester 70 fans of the early years. These are very collectible and hard to find in original condition. May not be a true Pre 64 Super Grade 257 Roberts. Checkered walnut pistol blued finish on metal parts. Standard rifles weighed about 8 pounds. This is why a pre 64 Winchester model 70 in these rarer cartridges are so desirable. the dovetail was above the normal slot cut in the barrel. It came with a 25" barrel. 2) Push feed design with recessed bolt face and plunger .375 H&H, and 3 rounds for Winchester Magnum calibers. The pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters were produced in 18 catalogued calibers as follows: .22 Hornet, .220 Swift, .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .264 The shop I worked at would sell many more Remingtons than Winchesters in those days. The action has a machined flat bottom, two or the 375 H&H mag. The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 has gone down in history as one of the greatest bolt action hunting rifles of all time. The transition model has the clip slots on the target rifles in 30-06 only or by special order. Original owner, used some but very well cared for. There was a grip cap on these versions. They have been selected for their appeal to shooters and collectors alike. The monte carlo style was being offered for the hunters looking to mount a scope. where it also locked the bolt. After the 1968 Federal gun control law, (put thru congress after JF Kennedy was assassinated), all the Post 64 model 70 guns then carried a "G" s/n prefix starting at near This was also the time the "Anti-Bind" bolt was initiated. The magazine cover has "SUPER GRADE" stamped in the outside of the cover. All other metal parts interchanged with the standard gun. The Remington 700 was the new king of the bolt action big bore rifles for deer hunting. drawback was that it was relatively expensive to mass produce and stay Pre-War : Westerner : When you I would sell and work on all the rifles listed above. A few Model 70 were Sling swivels were the standard non-detachable bows for Winchester had a great lineup of classic firearms in the mid 50’s. 338 Win Mag.    These guns were made in carbine, (20"), featherweight, They are, You can now see that even the Winchester model 70 Standard Model in 30-06 was different in 1954 and had another variation in 1961. left side of receiver drilled and tapped for peep sight. WTS: Selling a very nice Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .358 Winchester. The Model 70 action offers Pre-’64 style controlled round feeding with claw extractor, a three-position safety and is highlighted by a jeweled bolt body with knurled bolt handle. and was made from s/n 1 to about s/n 60,500 Thomas Crosley Johnson was born during the Civil War and, with the exception of John Moses Browning, did more to featherweight and varmint barrels did not have the rear sight boss. Winchester would now be drilling and tapping all the Pre 64 Winchester model 70 rifles that left the factory. Very late SG guns & factory replacement parts, used a narrower base that is compatible with the common QD bases. The picture to the left gives a good example of a scope being added to an early Pre 64 Winchester model 70. Its highly polished, deeply-blued steel and finely checkered, fancy grain walnut stock with shadowline cheekpiece define the timeless grace and elegance of the Model 70 Super Grade. Scope mounts in that era used a rear base that was made to use these peep sight holes on the side. I would drill and tap a pre WW II action in the early 80’s but cannot remember if I did front and rear. standard barrels had a raised ring, (boss) at the rear sight dovetail so that There were 3 different types of safeties  used on these guns. Winchester would also improved the floor plate and trigger guard. Even though it is in the, I would handle and fire many of these rifles from that era. have been called a full safety lever, There was supposed to be a gap in serial numbers between the ending of the "Pre 64" top as issued for the model 54, then later in 1959 they were black plastic. The Super Grade is already on your wish list. Some experts say that only special order model 70’s came drilled and tapped on the rear bridge of the pre WW II rifles. or the 375 H&H mag. Number 1 issue would be the side mount scope base installed on this rifle. The 26" barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. Every one of those rifles were better than the post 64 model 70. "Super Grade" is marked on the floorplate. and was made different lengths to The breech was coned as was the 1903 Springfield for smooth available in every variant. Add a scope and mount and it usually weighed in at around 9 pounds, empty. Just did not have that look and feel of the Pre 64’s. This does show the old style safety of WW II era model 70. with a raised cheek-piece, deluxe wrap around checkering, black forearm tips and A good reason to call the Pre 64 model 70, “The Rifleman’s Rifle”. The transition model has the clip slots on the target rifles in 30-06 only or by special order. The transition version has two holes on the rear bridge For all of its vaunted reputation, the pre-1964 Model 70 was not perfect. and made to up 1963 at right or the muzzle to fire. between 1936-1946), Featherweight, Super Grade, Super Grade Featherweight, Super Copyright © 2004 - 2020  You can now see that even the Winchester model 70 Standard Model in 30-06 was different in 1954 and had another variation in 1961. 9x97 mm, 375 H&H magnum, 458 Win. Triggers were a simple toggle linkage The pre-64 was only made in a "long" action, as when using shorter calibers, the magazine box had spacers added in either the rear or front, or both to allow feeding. The Winchester idea of redoing the entire line of firearms was not only a bad idea but also bad timing. In my neck of the woods in Northeast Pa. Made for only 2 years this is an extremely hard to find rifle in this caliber. All the metal has approx. The Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 would defiantly match up with any of those rifles, Winchester Model 70 Standard Grade         $149.95, Winchester Model 70 Deluxe                         $274.95, Remington Model 700 ADL                             $129.95, Remington Model 700 BDL                             $149.95, Savage Model 110 Standard                           $124.50, Sako Forester                                                     $175.50, Husqvarna Lightweight Sporter                      $165.00, Browning Safari                                                  $199.50. available in every variant. steel hinged magazine cover was held in place at the rear by a    The Alaskan could be had in either a When was your Model 70 produced? the standard grade. parts. 270 Win., 7x57mm Mauser, 7.65 Argentine, 300 Savage, 308 Win., 30-06, 300 H&H magnum, 300 Win. safety lever, a pivoting winged type unit that was affixed to the top right hand They would also get some competition from Savage Arms with the Model 110. Your Model 70 is made with one of the following bolt design configurations: 1) Pre-’64 type action with claw extractor and controlled round feed. Introduced in 1935 but not sold until 1937 starting at S/N 1 The early safety kind of looked like a flag waving as one fan labeled it. All the stocks were walnut and were hand checkered, The Pre-64's were never made in.222 Rem. Of course, the weight minimized recoil while the long and relatively stiff You can also look at the various models but stay with the more common cartridges. Only available in the 308 cartridge in 1954 and available in two styles. were created. The Super Grade : were created. For the average collector it is best to stay with the standard cartridges. During this time, the Model 70 became a legend These guns are covered on a separate article, Copyright © 2004 - 2020  ideas off what was learned from manufacturing military firearms. The finish on the wood was not near as nice as the Pre 64 finish. Mag. A filler (spacer) block was added to the extractor ring that acted as a bolt stop Mauser-type extractor, fixed ejector, and a steel trigger guard and hinged Classic Winchester Pre 64 Model 70, For The Shooting Elite The Classic Winchester pre 64 Model 70 was probably the premier bolt action rifle of the 1950s and 60s. Introduced in 1935 but not sold until 1937 starting at S/N 1 The buttplate was also aluminum. blue 98% woo for sale by max t france on gunsamerica - 944000447 of the sleeve. Maybe not as good looking as the Model 70 but it was noted for a very accurate factory rifle. Looking at this picture would also give a good idea of how the scope and placement of one has evolved from that time. The "Later" pre-64 version went up into late 1963 with a 26" barrel. The scope is mounted very far forward and would be very difficult to get a good focus and eye relief on. Post WW II They are not big collector type firearms but are definitely worth buying. The reason for this is that it appears there was 2 assembly lines. Stock is in very nice shape with minimal use. $1,175.00. Bolt action rifle, made in Short Rifle (Carbine), Standard, Featherweight, Magnum, Varmit, Super Grade or Match versions. LeeRoy Wisner  All Rights Reserved, Originated 05-17-04  Last updated 11-03-2020. Scope mounts in that era used a rear base that was made to use these peep sight holes on the side. front locking lugs, an excellent single stage adjustable trigger, a full length The Winchester model 70 of 1954 would be chambered in the 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 257 Roberts, 270 Winchester, and 30-06. the 264 or 300 Win. Even Colt Firearms was making the Coltsman rifle in the late 60’s for around the same price. winchester model 70 pre 64 made in 1948 serial 68942 chambered for 100% original no modifications to wood or metal. with a space of  .865 center to center, and no recessed wavy line area. The Pre-'64 Model 70 Bolt Action Rifle (advertised by Winchester throughout much of its production history as "The Rifleman's Rifle") was produced from 1936 through 1963. at s/n 581,471, and the new "Post 64" guns that started at s/n 700,000. sportsmen and gun writers of the era who sang its praises. The Remington 700 was a good looking alternative to the Model 70 and a little cheaper. featherweight and varmint barrels did not have the rear sight boss. This firearm is now a good hunting rifle and a fine example of a rifle that would make a nice custom build rifle. The checkering would now be pressed into the wood and the old style cut checkering would no longer be used. It has an iconic place in American sporting culture and has been held in high regard by shooters since it was introduced in 1936, earning the moniker "The Rifleman's Rifle". The 30-06 would also be available in the Featherweight model. Swift, .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 and was made from s/n 1 to about s/n 60,500. Predecessor to the Model 70, the The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action sporting rifle. was built in a number of variations and calibers. Mag. S/N 581,471 for the pre-64 versions. Model 70 Super Grade .270 Win., 30-06 Springfield Model 70 Featherweight calibers, 65X55, 7mm Rem. Also, the more The Super grade guns had a sling swivel similar to the now commonly known Quick Take-Down type only they were about ½" wide at the base. right or the muzzle to fire. Some Descriptive Features for Identification Wood was a higher grade than was found on the standard grade guns. also became the favorite American action on which many custom sporter rifles It would lead the way. This model 54 rifle stayed in production until 1936, when I did write an article on shooting that firearm (. The carbine & Transition it was re-designed and was introduced as the Model 70 which corrected These model 70 rifles are available for purchase from pre64win.com. I have two articles in this website on the year’s of 1953 and 1955. This to me would suggest that drilling and tapping would be a special order at that time. Winchester would also face some very stiff competition in those days. Many firearms company’s would be making quality products and at very good prices. A client of mine had mentioned to me a rifle sitting in his closet for decades. A variety of calibers is offered. There are many different versions of the Model 70. was built in a number of variations and calibers. The Magazine capacity was 5 rounds for standard calibers, 4 rounds for .300 and 270 Win., 7x57mm Mauser, 7.65 Argentine, 300 Savage, 308 Win., 30-06, 300 H&H magnum, 300 Win. This would be just a couple of years before the Winchester arms company would make those major changes in 1964. The Standard model would sell for $59.75 in 1937. Winchester Model 70 Pre 64 7MM Mauser 7X57 Bolt Action Rifle Description: This very rare Model 70 7MM is in excellent condition, showing only very minor signs of handling and does not appear to have had many rounds through it. many of the faults of the Model 54 and stayed in production to 1963 with only .358 Winchester, available only in the Featherweight model, is also a rare new bolt used a lip on the lower edge of the RH locking lug. The original spatula thumb piece which blocked the line of sight for iron sights The Alaskan could be had in either a Models included the Standard Grade, "Carbine" relatively minor changes. rear sight removed. Many companies were now giving the Winchester 70 a lot of competition. The Pre 64 model 70 featherweight would be … (3)  FIRE (all the If you can find one then defiantly buy it. The stock had 2 holes drilled about Trigger System, the finest trigger ever offered in a bolt-action with zero take up, zero creep and zero overtravel. These guns were made in carbine, (20"), featherweight, The, They would also get some competition from.    The Featherweight was introduced in 1952 This firearm would revolutionize the bolt action hunting rifle in America and possibly the world. Many hunters were now using Scopes to hunt with. They were not that much more in price than a Standard Model 70 but were much more appealing to look and admire. black anodized aluminum. The rifle scope was here to stay. Model 70 Ranger -- Adult .243 Win.-- Ladies/Youth .308 Win. The bolt action rifle w/scope mount & rings but no scope. The carbines were discontinued about 1947. They did shoot well and preform well on the bench. The transition & others thereafter will swing to the production was usually drilled and tapped for scope mounts. It does have (2) peep sight holes on the LH side of the rear receiver. Alaskan : But its biggest Serial number from donor gun is numbers matching and shows gun is 1940 This came from a 220 Swift. 35 Remington, 358 Win. The front sight was a Redfield sourdough. During this time, the Model 70 became a legend Great idea at the time, but not a good idea for today’s collectors. 1955 when the ramps were silver soldered on. I am looking into making a custom rifle in the next year or so and may consider finding a Post 64 rifle to acquire a good sound action. Buttplates were a forged checkered steel with a lip on position safeties had an abbreviated lever that did not hang lower than the top I have a 257 Roberts Ackley Improved reamer to chamber the rifle to. The 308 would be a new cartridge in 1954 and Winchester would chamber it in the new Winchester model 70 featherweight model. Cataloged calibers were, 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 243 Win., 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 264 Win Mag. magnum The pre-1964 Model 70 is now a collector's rifle, particularly in Just did not have that look and feel of the Pre 64’s. sportsmen and gun writers of the era who sang its praises. barrel got full velocity from its cartridges and had a fine reputation for H&H Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, .35 Remington, .358 WINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTERWINCHESTER. magazine floor plate assembly (aluminum in Featherweight models). The standard model and the monte carlo style. The improved bolt handle and safety would make mounting a scope a much easier task for the gunsmith that would be installing one. The and used a shorter barrel, 22", with no rear sight hump, & the guard bow (trigger guard) & magazine cover were made of They should not be drilled and tapped on the front of the action. The Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 would lead the way and all other bolt rifles would follow the model 70 in style and innovation. The pre-1964 Model 70 is now a collector's rifle, particularly in The Model 70 Great example of the early firearms of the Golden Age. This firearm would revolutionize the bolt action hunting rifle in America and possibly the world. The Winchester firearms company would introduce the very popular Winchester model 88 in the 308 Winchester cartridge. My 35 Whelen is a sporterized 03-A3 with a Boyd's Laminated stock. 458 Win Mag with a 25" barrel. S/N 581,471, Cataloged calibers were, 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 243 Win., 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 264 Win Mag. 7" deep under the buttplate. Great firearms for just a few dollars more than the Winchester Model 70 Standard Grade. If you can’t. But it will be close enough for me. The first year production rifles would be the standard model, national match model with 24 inch barrels, and the bull gun with a 28 inch barrel in 30-06 only. A comparison of Winchester Pre 1964 model 70 and Post 1964 model 70https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedStatesofGuns in its own time, the favorite hunting rifle of a plethora of knowledgeable The 250 Savage and the 7mm Mauser are not offered in 1954. HERE. Custom Winchester Pre'64 Model 70 Stock I do not see any makers name on the stock This is a custom stock with a raised cheek piece and a extended grip along with other nice features. The wood looks really good w/ tiger striping & deluxe checkering on the monte-carlo stock. and made to up 1963 at high prices on the used market. All guns other than the target versions used a barrel with an integral front ramp until The breech end of the barrel copied the 1903 Springfield coned breech. basic design platform and in 1925 they introduced their Model 54 rifle. By the late 1960’s the Winchester model 70 would be a different firearm from what it was in the early 60’s. Pre-1964 Model 70's usually had 24"-26" barrels The "Transition" was then made from 1945 until 1951 from approximately s/n 60,500 - 87,700 on the standard action and s/n 63,200 - 121,700 for the magnum action. at s/n. The pre-war will have clip slots at the front of the rear receiver bridge on all of the standard actions. The carbines were discontinued about 1947. Build your own. Pre-1964 Model 70's stopped at serial number 581,471. one inch turn in rings and bases on receiver. The The Winchester model 70 of 1937 would be chambered in the 250 Savage, 220 Swift, 257 Roberts, 270 Winchester, 7 mm Mauser, and 30-06. LeeRoy Wisner  All Rights Reserved The more recent "Rifleman's Rifle," a pristine-looking Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in the legendary.270 Winchester caliber. However, during the 1950's and even later, a surprising number of M-70.22 Hornets were converted to.222. I have seen some original pictures of a early model 70 Winchester from 1937 and it does not have the rear bridge drilled and taped. : The two sling swivels are present. The Model 70 was produced from 1935 until Winchester closed their Connecticut factory in 2006, with approximately 700,000 Model 70 guns sold prior to 1964. The Standard Grade rifle came with a 24" medium contour barrel in standard calibers like.270 and.30-06 and had a substantial stock. About the same time, Remington chose the 1917 Enfield as the basis for their Each gun is designed to shoot a specific centerfire caliber. blade front sight with ramp and hood. The "Pre-War" (up to early 1942) version had a cloverleaf rear tang Another great rifle from that era was the Husqvarna sporting rifle. Collectors recognize three major manufacturing periods: "Pre-War" (1936-1941); … Not all calibers were enclosed the cartridge head and were therefore stronger. It should be priced right and be a good action to build with. Area Code: 580. Mag. etween 1936 and 1963 the Model 70 They have been selected for their appeal to shooters and collectors alike. (22"), standard (24"), magnum and varmint (26") barrels. CLASSIC COLLECTOR FIREARMS OF THE 50's AND 60's. The new Standard model 70 would use cheaper front and rear sights.    The "Transition" was then made from 1945 until 1951 from approximately s/n 60,500 - 87,700 on the standard action and s/n 63,200 - 121,700 for the magnum action. They are Classic arms of 1953 and Classic arms of 1955. 581,471. Production of    The African was available only in the The reason for this is that it appears there was 2 assembly lines.