Make: Winchester

Model: Custom Model 70 Featherweight

Serial Number: 502351

Year of Manufacture: 1960 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .358 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt action, hinged floorplate

Barrel Length: 22"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with a hood atop a textured base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The receiver has a Weaver K4 60-B scope mounted. The glass is clear and the scope rates in Good condition.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a one piece wood with a raised comb and semi-pistol grip. The forend and semi-pistol grip are checkered. The checkering is well defined and shows light wear. The serrated synthetic butt pad shows moderate wear. The wood shows moderate wear with scattered scuffs, pressure dings, and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. This furniture rates in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel's date code is almost polished off and dates to 1954. The barrel appears as originally chambered for .308 Win. and bored out. The "0" in the "308" barrel marking was remarked as a "5" to make it appear as "358". The steel floorplate is not correct for a Featherweight. There is no legible serial marking on the bolt.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light oxidation towards the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is strong showing occasional surface scratches. The metal floor plate and trigger guard show light markings and handling wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled and retain strong slots. The markings are mostly clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-plus condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes installed scope.

Our Assessment: This rifle is a custom Featherweight built on a desirable pre-64 Model 70 action and presents with approximately 98% of its new blue finish remaining. The metal finish is clean and evenly applied, giving the rifle a sharp, well cared for appearance. The Featherweight stock profile retains the classic balance and handling characteristics that made this configuration one of Winchester’s most popular sporting rifles.

Mechanically, the rifle is sound. The bore rates 8.5 out of 10 with good rifling and brightness, and the action functions correctly with the smooth controlled round feed operation that defines the pre-64 Model 70. Overall handling is lively and well balanced, consistent with the Featherweight designation.

The barrel on this rifle is not original to the receiver and has been refinished. The barrel date code is nearly polished off but indicates 1954 production. The barrel appears to have been originally chambered in .308 Winchester and later bored out to .358 Winchester with the caliber marking altered. The bolt odes not have a legible serial marking. Were this an original .358 Featherweight, it would be a very desirable variation for collectors, but hard to come by. This may explain why the rifle was customized to its current configuration as it may be easier and more cost effective to "roll your own". This modification should be clearly understood by prospective buyers and is disclosed in full for accuracy and transparency.