Make: Winchester, Customized by Al Biesen
Model: 70
Serial Number: 490562
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt action, centerfire, fed by internal magazine, drop floorplate.
Barrel Length: 24", integral brake.
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Redfield steel scope bases installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a custom Al Biesen fleur-de-lis checkered walnut with ebony tipped forend, capped semi pistol grip, raised shadow-line cheekpiece, basketweave textured Pachmayr black rubber buttpad and sling studs front and rear. The LOP is 13 1/2" from trigger to pad. The pad has minor wear. There is an initial plate inlet into the belly of the stock. There are a few minor scratches and compression dents throughout. There is minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished at time of custom build.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. The last inch has been bored out and ported to create an integral brake. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There are a few scattered minor scratches. There is a small scuff on the bottom of the barrel toward the muzzle-end. The bolt and raceway have been jeweled. There is minor handling wear. The checkering is crisp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings show light softening from buffing during the custom build. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action operates correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed scope mounts are included.
Our Assessment: The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 has long been regarded as one of the finest American bolt-action rifles ever produced, and examples built prior to 1964 are especially prized for their controlled round feed action, machined components, and overall craftsmanship. This 1960 production rifle gains an additional layer of significance through its custom work by Al Biesen of Spokane, Washington, one of the most respected American gunmakers of the 20th century. Biesen's work is synonymous with refined sporting rifles, often transforming already excellent factory guns into highly personalized, elegant hunting arms. Chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, a cartridge introduced in 1958 for large and dangerous game, this rifle embodies the era's push toward powerful, flat-shooting magnum performance.
This example reflects Biesen's signature attention to detail, notably in the custom walnut stock featuring fleur-de-lis checkering, raised shadow-line cheekpiece, and tasteful appointments such as capped forend and grip as well as the initial plate in the belly. The 24" barrel, marked with Biesen’s Spokane address, has been modified with an integral brake at the muzzle, subtly integrated into the profile. The metal retains about 98% of its finish with only light handling marks, while the jeweled bolt and raceway remain crisp, adding visual appeal and a mark of custom craftsmanship. The bore is excellent, retaining sharp rifling throughout.
Mechanically, the rifle remains sound, with proper function of the action and a crisp trigger pull indicative of careful tuning. The Redfield steel bases provide a solid mount for optics, in keeping with the rifle's intended use as a serious hunting arm. Altogether, this rifle represents a compelling blend of factory excellence and high-level custom work from a noted American maker, the legendary pre-64 Model 70 action and Biesen’s refined stockmaking and finishing. It is a strong example of mid-century American custom sporting rifles, where performance, durability, and understated elegance were brought together in a single cohesive build. Please see our photos and good luck!
