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Hello everyone,
I have the opportunity to buy this rifle – M70 .375H&H Serial #333XXX which I believe makes it a 1955 manufacture.
From my novice research I believe it to be a Type III-3… Is that correct?
Also I am curious about the stock, the dimensions, checkering and pad look correct; but I am not sure about the black end cap on the stock grip and the swivels have had the sling wire removed so that regular quick detach swivels could be used and the bolt appears to be Jeweled.
I consider this to be a “good shooter grade” in my personal evaluation system; meaning its decent shape and should make a good hunting rifle.
Are there any concerns or other red flags that jump out at you guys, and also what do you think the fare market value would be?
deewayne2003 said
Also I am curious about the stock, the dimensions, checkering and pad look correct; but I am not sure about the black end cap on the stock grip…
The PG cap is aftermarket, & fits so well I wonder if the PG itself has been reshaped, but I like it better than the standard grade stock. Don’t think it hurts value. More important is that the pad is original & seems in good shape, which many as old as this are not. (I dislike pads, but if you want an original .375, it’s something you must put up with.)
If it’s priced fairly, I’d prefer this rifle to a mint Standard Grade in original cond.
The jewelling on bolt is not original to rifle, and the stock look’s refinished to me. Most likely still a fine shooter….not many were shot out.
Steve
Online
If you are a person not burdened with, “fussy collector” traits, and you are looking for a classic/quality rifle to use and enjoy, then this looks like a fine candidate to me.
Thank you gentlemen, it seems we are all on the same page.
Anyone care to put a value to this rifle?….. I have been quoted and as I am a Winchester novice at best I just don’t want to over pay.
deewayne2003 said
Anyone care to put a value to this rifle?….. I have been quoted and as I am a Winchester novice at best I just don’t want to over pay.
Even though the mods add to it’s appeal as far as I’m concerned, it’s not worth as much as an unaltered gun in the same cond. But I don’t know the value of an unaltered gun in that cond. You could do a GB search, but someone here like Seewin or Lou should be able to tell you.
One thing about the gun I don’t like–that BRASS screw in the PG cap!
November 5, 2014
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Hi deewayne-
IMHO it’s an attractive shooter grade 375 H&H MAGNUM. The aftermarket modifications include the recontoured pistol grip and cap (all M70 MC comb stocks had the “looped” pistol grip), the added detachable swivel studs, the stock refinish, and the jeweled bolt/follower. The 70B rollover rear sight and recoil pad are original. As you said, it should be a type III-3 receiver (smooth contour to bolt release, hollow bolt knob, and flat surface on the right side of the bolt sleeve.
As for value??? It’s not a collector piece, but it’s a fine hunting rifle. If I wanted one I’d probably be willing to pay $1750-1850 (retail) for it. Current retail (asking) prices on all original and clean 98% or better 1950’s 375 H&H MAGNUM standard rifles appear to be in the $3000-3400 range depending on condition.
BTW… These rifles are heavy enough that they’re kind of fun to shoot (even with the not too forgiving Winchester “Noshoc” recoil pad). I do prefer the NRA style low comb stock to the MC, but that’s just my taste. 
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Louis Luttrell said
BTW… These rifles are heavy enough that they’re kind of fun to shoot (even with the not too forgiving Winchester “Noshoc” recoil pad). I do prefer the NRA style low comb stock to the MC, but that’s just my taste.
These pads were at least a bit softer when new–both natural & synthetic rubber always hardens over time. I recently got out my PAST shoulder pad, bought 20 yrs ago but not used for a long time, & was surprised how hard the pad had become. Bought a new one & immediately felt the difference.
November 5, 2014
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Het Clarence-
Ever wonder where the June 6, 1922 patent date came from on those “Winchester” solid red pads? You probably already know…
The patent was awarded to the Seamless Rubber Company, manufacturers of the “Noshoc” recoil pad. I’m sure those pads were made for Winchester under contract to Seamless. That’s why some small number of the earliest Winchester M70s with recoil pads (notably some of the infamous “pencil barrel” 375 MAGNUMs) have “Noshoc” pads on the that are so marked (not Winchester).
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
clarence said
Louis Luttrell saidI recently got out my PAST shoulder pad, bought 20 yrs ago but not used for a long time, & was surprised how hard the pad had become. Bought a new one & immediately felt the difference.
Clarence I had the same thing happen to me about a month ago. Used this pad when I was trying to get my 35 WCF to shoot better. Recently been testing loads for an 85 in 45-70. Pad is very stiff now and the straps have shrunk too.
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