Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Standard Rifle, Catalog No. G7039CN

Serial Number: 319331

Year of Manufacture: 1954

Caliber: .300 Holland & Holland Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Barrel Length: 26"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base forged to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a folding "U"-notch sight with white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, monte carlo comb, orange rubber Winchester buttpad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. The finish is thinning along the comb, more notable toward the heel. The checkering is generally defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has scattered wear and discoloration, a cut at the heel on the left, and remains fairly supple. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Some remaining finish is Original, worn areas show treatment with cold blue. The bolt is worn, its serial marking is no longer visible.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling with infrequent light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its current metal finish. Most surfaces are worn and show treatment with cold blue, original finish remaining mostly around raised features and in protected areas. There is some scattered minor surface erosion including on the bolt body. There some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition as cold blued.

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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifle chambered in .300 H&H Magnum and made in 1954. The .300 H&H Magnum is one of the most powerful cartridges available in the early Model 70s, able to be used for any game in North America and also popular for hunting in Africa. The original iron sights are still installed, though the front hood is missing, and there is provision for mounting an optic or a receiver sight. This rifle looks like it was put to its intended use and has likely taken its share of game. With a decent bore and strong mechanics, it should be able to take some more. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest and this would be a neat addition to a Winchester collection and a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!