Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Varmint (G7012CN)
Serial Number: 513947 (serial matching bolt)
Year of Manufacture: 1961 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, hinged floorplate
Barrel Length: 26" medium-heavy contour
Sights/Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed. There is a pair of bases utilizing the rear sight taps and the front receiver taps. Currently the front sight taps and rear receiver taps remain filled and unused. No optic is included.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece wood with a raised comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, and a checkered synthetic buttplate. The buttplate shows light handling wear. The furniture shows a few pressure dings and minor drag lines. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with stubborn fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The finish only shows some small infrequent scratches. The screw heads show faint tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
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: None
Our Assessment: This pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Varmint, catalog number G7012CN, was manufactured in 1961 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Winchester, the pre-64 Model 70 is widely regarded as one of the finest sporting bolt-action rifles ever built. The Varmint configuration featured a heavy 26 inch barrel specifically intended to maximize accuracy during extended shooting sessions, making it a favorite among varmint hunters and target shooters.
Chambered in .243 Winchester with a 26 inch heavy barrel, this rifle combines the renowned pre-64 controlled-round-feed action with one of the most versatile varmint cartridges ever developed. The .243 Winchester has long been appreciated for its flat trajectory, light recoil, and outstanding accuracy on varmints and medium-sized game. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition with strong rifling. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Fine condition with little visible handling wear. This rifle retains approximately 97% of its original metal finish, presenting an exceptionally clean appearance for a pre-64 example. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition and stands as a highly desirable 1961 Winchester Model 70 Varmint in .243 Winchester. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
