Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Standard Rifle

Serial Number: 817099

Year of Manufacture: 1966

Caliber: .225 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Barrel Length: 22” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated, ramped riser which is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "U" notch sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation; it’s on a base that is screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver has a rail installed. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece press checkered walnut with a red “W” capped pistol grip, fluted “Monte Carlo” high comb with cheekpiece, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a checkered black plastic buttplate. The checkering is well defined. The wood shows a few minor scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue (Stainless bolt is jeweled)

Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching. 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple light scratches. The receiver shows one or two spots of light oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety has three positions: forward is Fire, all the way to the rear locks both the bolt and trigger, in the middle the trigger is locked, but the bolt can be operated. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70, known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle”, is one of the most iconic American sporting rifles ever made. It was introduced in 1936 as Winchester’s new and significantly improved bolt-action rifle chambered in big calibers, firing high velocity cartridges capable of taking big game, and for use in so-called big-bore target matches. The Model 70 has been prized by hunters and shooters alike for nearly 90 years, and is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured.

This Vintage Post-1964 Winchester Model 70 Standard Rifle was made in 1966 and is chambered in .225 Winchester. This is a less common (but post-64) chambering for the Model 70, only produced from 1964-1971. Designed to be a replacement for the barrel-burning .220 Swift, the new varminting cartridge was fast, accurate, and gentler on bores than the Swift. The standardization of the .22-250 cartridge by Remington proved to be too much competition for .225 Winchester, however. The .22-250 had been a popular wildcat, and becoming a standard cartridge only increased its popularity, leading to .225 Winchester being discontinued. Whether you're looking to round out a Winchester collection or just appreciate a fine varminting gun, this Model 70 in .225 Winchester is a real beauty.