Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight G7020CN .308 Bolt Rifle, 1954 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,101.00

WOA#: WY240323WM006

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Featherweight, Catalog# G7020CN

Serial Number: 297932

Year of Manufacture: 1954

Caliber: .308 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER-MODEL-70-FEATHERWEIGHT- / -TRADE MARK-MADE IN U.S.A.-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / -308 WIN.-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “297932”. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “297932”.

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 base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is not present, a blank has been installed in its dovetail. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Weaver bases installed.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a black rubber Kick Eez buttpad, monte carlo comb, pistol grip and sling swivels mounted on the underside of the forend and in the belly. The stock has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable marks in the left behind the grip. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood, indicating that the stock has been cut. The pad has light wear and is still supple. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Black Alloy Floorplate/Trigger Guard Assembly

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is handling wear on the bottom metal. There is some oxidation on the front sight hood. The action shows operational wear and the bolt knob is mostly worn to white. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good 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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight bolt action rifle made in 1954 with a 22” barrel chambered in .308 Winchester. Winchester developed the .308 cartridge with the U.S. military for adoption by NATO as the 7.62x51mm, designated T-65 during development. The .308 would go on to be the parent case for both .243 and .358 Winchester, forming a new family of cartridges for the Model 70 and the lever-action Model 88. This is a classic American rifle in a classic caliber, perfect for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud