Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Featherweight Westerner, Catalog No. G7065

Serial Number: 549824

Year of Manufacture: 1962 (C&R)

Caliber: .264 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK- MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / -MODEL 70-FEATHERWEIGHT- –264 WIN. MAGNUM–”. The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The left of the barrel at the receiver is marked with a “WP” proof mark. The serial number “549824” is marked on the right side of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped base. The rear sight is a folding leaf sight with a U-notch, mounted to the barrel via a dovetail slot. The rifle is drilled and tapped and filled for scope mounts (scope not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a red Winchester vented buttpad. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows minor surface wear from handling, with a few scattered light nicks and marks, and finish thinning at the high points. The checkering is clean and sharp. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle features an internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate. The magazine and follower show light operational wear and are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks, with minimal edge wear on the trigger guard, bolt knob, and floorplate. There are a few scattered light scratches and faint freckles of oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are sharp. 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 thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is often referred to as the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” and for good reason. Known for its smooth action, precision machining, and accuracy, the Pre-64 Model 70s are especially sought after by collectors and hunters alike. The Featherweight variant lightened the standard Model 70 design, making it more manageable for extended hunting trips in rugged terrain without sacrificing reliability.

This particular example, chambered in the flat-shooting .264 Winchester Magnum, represents a powerful and capable long-range option, especially prized for its Pre-64 controlled round feed action and quality of manufacture. Introduced in 1959, the .264 Win Mag offered a high-velocity, flat trajectory round well-suited to Western big game hunting, and rifles in this caliber have become quite collectible—especially when paired with a Pre-64 Featherweight. Designated the Featherweight Westerner, these .264 chambered rifles are quite scarce with only 3,116 made in total before Winchester's reorganization in 1964.

Collectors will appreciate this rifle's originality and condition, while serious hunters may value its practical performance and reduced weight. Whether destined for the field or a collection, this is a desirable Winchester from the golden era of American bolt guns.