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I got a call this afternoon from my local gun store about a couple really nice model 70’s they took in today. I’m normally not a model 70 collector, but I thought what the hell and went to take a look at them. When I got there they pulled out a mint condition Model 70 Super Grade African in 458 Winchester Magnum. I just about shit my pants when he laid it on the counter. It seriously looks like brand new and never carried in the woods. It is also has gold inlaid initials “RCS” on the trigger guard–apparently for Dr. Russell C. Smith. Provenance will be included with the rifle belonging to him. Unfortunately, I have the pain-staking wait until next week to bring her home after I clear the background check. Does anyone know any history regarding Dr. Russell C. Smith? Serial number 401493 puts it manufactured in 1957. Dealer is also throwing in an original pre-64 matching sight hood and super grade swivels to boot–all out the door for $4,900. I think I got a steal of a deal since I believe Winchester only manufactured a little over 1,200 of these rifles. I’m a novice when it comes to model 70’s but got the overwhelming feeling not to let this one go. They gave me the box in the photos too, but it does not belong to this rifle. Opinions welcome.
Thanks,
Don
November 5, 2014
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Don-
Nice rifle!!!
Jim Riis wrote an article for the Summer 2018 Collector that talks about Dr. Russell C Smith. In addition there is an article on some of the RCS Model 70s slated to be published in the Spring 2025 issue. I wrote it, so it MUST be good… Right??? 
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
What I want to know, is when are we going varmint hunting? I will bring my high-wall in 405 WCF and can your bring your new Model 70 I figure we can go exterminate a few hundred Squeaks
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Louis Luttrell said
Don-Nice rifle!!!
Jim Riis wrote an article for the Summer 2018 Collector that talks about Dr. Russell C Smith. In addition there is an article on some of the RCS Model 70s slated to be published in the Spring 2025 issue. I wrote it, so it MUST be good… Right???
Lou
This is awesome news Lou. I didn’t realize Russell C. Smith was a famous model 70 enthusiast. I’m going to check out the 2018 article and am very much looking forward to your Spring 2025 article. It sure pays to get to know your local gun store owners on a personal level. He calls me every time a nice Winchester comes thru the door. It was brought in just a few hours before I bought it this afternoon.
Don
Bert H. said
What I want to know, is when are we going varmint hunting? I will bring my high-wall in 405 WCF and can your bring your new Model 70Bert
Sounds like a great time Bert. We’ll vaporize them and paint the hills red. Winter time might be best for the 10 heavy coats I plan to wear!
Don
November 5, 2014
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Bert and Don-
Can I join the safari??? Bert might need backup if he only manages to wound one with that wimpy little 405 WCF. It would be on him before he could reload!!! I’ll take this one…
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Lou,
That is a very interesting article in 2018 Summer Collector magazine regarding Al Beisen and Russell Smith. Funny thing is the same guy that inherited the RCS gun I just bought also brought in 2 All Beisen rifles with pre-war model 70 actions. Dealer showed me one of them in 6.5-06. It was in brand new condition with fancy checkered light- colored walnut– priced at $5K which is another bargain in my opinion. Wish I had lots of $$$$….If you were interested in such a rifle, I can give you the contact info.
Thanks again for your model 70 expertise!
Don
Louis Luttrell said
Bert and Don-Can I join the safari??? Bert might need backup if he only manages to wound one with that wimpy little 405 WCF. It would be on him before he could reload!!! I’ll take this one…
Lou
Most certainly you can join us! Bring lots of ammo!! I appreciate your offer to back me up with that sissy-man’s repeater !!
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Louis Luttrell said
Bert and Don-
Can I join the safari??? Bert might need backup if he only manages to wound one with that wimpy little 405 WCF. It would be on him before he could reload!!! I’ll take this one…
Lou
Most certainly you can join us! Bring lots of ammo!!
Hey Bert, I might need to take out a second mortgage if I’m to bring lots of ammo….
Don
Don,
Go ahead and buy (10) boxes of this – Hornady Dangerous Game Superformance 458 Winchester Mag Ammo 500 Grain (midwayusa.com)
If you can survive shooting all of it in single day of varmint extermination, I will buy you the next (10) boxes of it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
If you really plan to shoot the rifle, bite the bullet and pay what you have to for some brass. Then reload. If you treat the brass right it may last longer than you.
Great find, for a very nice Model 70. If you are looking for ammo for this, The Old Mill Bargain Center in The Dalles Oregon right now have two boxes of .458 Winchester ammo in stock. Pricey but available. Give them a call. I live in this local area.
Online
Don,
I agree with you and the other’s on you’re great find. It’s nice when you’re LGS calls you with a find like that!
Enjoy it! 
Anthony
The .458 is a great round to handload for. I’ve had several .458 rifles. I enjoyed loading the .458 down and you can duplicate any .45-70 load you like. I used 300, 400 and 500 grain bullets. There’s a ton of load data out there. And as has been suggested, case will last a long time. Having said all that, I probably wouldn’t shoot this particular rifle – too nice
I finally got to pick up the rifle to and boy she’s a beauty. Now I just need to find a nice vintage 1950’s box of ammo to go with it. I believe the red, white, and yellow box would be the one I’m looking for. If anyone has a box they are willing to part with, please let me know.
Thanks,
Don
steve004 said
The .458 is a great round to handload for. I’ve had several .458 rifles. I enjoyed loading the .458 down and you can duplicate any .45-70 load you like. I used 300, 400 and 500 grain bullets. There’s a ton of load data out there. And as has been suggested, case will last a long time. Having said all that, I probably wouldn’t shoot this particular rifle – too nice
I agree Steve. This rifle has been a safe queen its entire life and am very hesitant to shoot it. It would be fun to take it out and shoot it just a few times though.
Don
Michael Elli said
Great find, for a very nice Model 70. If you are looking for ammo for this, The Old Mill Bargain Center in The Dalles Oregon right now have two boxes of .458 Winchester ammo in stock. Pricey but available. Give them a call. I live in this local area.
Hi Michael,
I appreciate the lead on the ammo. I live just about 45 minutes away from The Dalles. Do you recall the maker and what vintage the ammo is they had for sale?
Thanks,
Don
Don, You won’t believe it but I donated a vintage 1957 box to a friend on another forum, in the .458 Win. Mag, that he dissected and even shot, and was extremely happy with the results as he reloads and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to reloading and suggesting loads for the masses!
Anthony
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