Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .30-06 Bolt Rifle, MFD 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225
WOA#: WY240410DH001
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight
Serial Number: 345287
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL – 70 – FEATHERWEIGHT – / MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “-30-06-” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver also has a “WP” proof and “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“. The right of the chamber ring is marked “345287”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up “U”-notch leaf dovetailed to the rear of the barrel with white triangle aim reference. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped and mounted with two piece scope rails mounted with a Bushnell Scope Chief 3x-9x rifle Scope. The sight picture is clear with fine crosshair reticle. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included). The scope rates in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivels front and rear, and a Winchester orange rubber buttpad. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock has been shortened. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-Excellent condition as shortened.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Floorplate/Trigger Guard Assembly and Receiver.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some minor fouling on the lands near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current finish. The finish is thinning at most edges and at the muzzle. The finish is very strong and deep throughout. Most of the balance is in finish wear on the bottom metal specifically around the trigger guard with has a few minor nicks in the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The bolt knob has handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear though a bit shallow. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition as Refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the bolt. Pulled to the rear, the safety is ON, locking both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. 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: This rifle comes with its attached scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Featherweight in .30-06 stands as a pinnacle of classic American rifle craftsmanship, embodying a blend of traditional styling and functional excellence. Introduced in 1936 and produced until the major manufacturing changes of 1964, the Pre-64 Model 70s are revered by collectors and hunters for their superior construction and smooth bolt action. This particular variant, the Featherweight, is distinguished by its lighter build, featuring a slimmer, tapered barrel and a streamlined stock that reduces overall weight without sacrificing performance, making it particularly suitable for hunters navigating rugged terrain.
Chambered in the versatile and powerful .30-06, this rifle is adept at handling a range of North American game, from deer to elk, thanks to the cartridge’s excellent range and stopping power. The Pre-64 Model 70 Featherweight is also noted for its controlled round feed (CRF) mechanism—a feature that includes a Mauser-style extractor for more reliable cartridge cycling and ejection. The exquisite walnut stock not only enhances the rifle’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and a comfortable grip during use. This model’s enduring appeal is further cemented by its historical significance as one of the last traditionally manufactured bolt-action rifles by Winchester before the 1964 modifications and changing is manufacture quality, making it a prized possession for those who cherish the art of rifle making and the heritage of hunting. This rifle has been refinished and appears to have seen very little use throughout its near 70 years of existence making it perfect for any Winchester collection or hunter looking for an excellent rifle for the field. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
