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My Model 70 Alaskan, SN 450413, reflecting a 1959 production date and wearing a low comb (versus monte carlo) stock with original looking red, non-vent, Winchester recoil pad. I don’t show any such combo listing in Rule Book & per some discussions, seem to recall the same ‘no-such’ low comb Alaskans. Seeming all original, but this a working rifle, not safe queen. Should I assume non-original stock? Also, any info as to first serial number for these Alaskan .338 models?
As usual, thanks for any info!
That’s a new one for me. I have owned probably 10 or 12 of these over the years, the earliest being 454389, and have never seen or heard of a low comb version. I know this was about the time all the low comb 70’s were being discontinued, so seem’s hard to believe they would put one on a brand new caliber rifle, unless special ordered. There would have been no other model 70 chambered for a short magnum at the time that would have come from factory with a solid pad either.
Does the pad look original to rifle, i.e. fit and finish? Have you ever had it off the stock to look for signs of after-the-fact fitting? Any signs that the stock might have had the M/C removed? If all check’s out, all you can assume is that it was special order.
Steve
November 5, 2014
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Hi iskra-
As Seewin says, the Alaskan was first produced circa 1959 (first cataloged 1960) by which time the low comb stock was done. Moreover, the last time Winchester had made a cataloged product with low comb stock, solid recoil pad, and standard barrel channel was the infamous (often faked) “pencil barrel” 375 MAGNUM of 1937. So… You rifle was either special ordered, restocked with a LC stock fit with an aftermarket (repro) red recoil pad, or had the MC comb removed to suit the owner. I can’t begin to say which…
Interesting story with the Alaskans is that they are often found with a S/N that is too early for the date of manufacture. Take the attached photos as an example:
S/N is 401557, which is 1957. Two years before any Alaskans were made and three years before they were cataloged. Supposedly, when Winchester first introduced the “short magnum” 458 WIN MAGNUM chambering with the “African” in 1956, they made up a bunch of the new actions that were serial numbered in sequence with the current production. Since sales of the “African” did not materialize as planned, the factory was left with a bunch of ready-made short magnum actions. It was not until the “Alaskan” (338 WIN MAGNUM) and “Westerner” (264 WIN MAGNUM) were introduced in 1959-1960 that they had a “winner” chambering (and the opportunity to use up those early numbered actions).
Just an example of how sometimes a serial number/date of manufacture mismatch is NOT a problem.
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Here she is, foxfire!
A ‘working rifle’, acquired in latter nineteen eighties for several hundred dollars with B&L scope. Bore excellent and ‘otherwise’ all appearing normal as noted at time of these file photos. I would likely have noticed any inletting irregularities. I do watch for these things, especially in categories of rifles including these M70 pre’s. This gun never out of stock on my watch & not handy.
The almost universal notation regarding most ‘vintage’ rifles, many decades embracing opportunities for swaps & mods of all sorts. Most often folks too quickly jumping on the ‘rare factory variation’, etc., bandwagon where simply aftermarket swaps!
My assumption, this rifle in such category and as Louis suggesting, likely never to know for sure! I’m just happy with (another) 338 – great rifle & chambering! Adding, personal preference for these low comb stocks to the MC editions, though Winchester at least didn’t get carried away on the MC trail! (My 1956 Mannlicher stock looking ‘miniaturized roller coaster’ inspired and to make Roy Weatherby’s creations of the era look conservative!)
Special thanks for the observations seewin and yours plus informative illustration Louis!
My take
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