Pre64 Model 70- 458 Win|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Bob Quam said
I have the opportunity to purchase a Pre-64 Model 70 African (458 Win).  My only concern with the rifle before making the plunge is the finish on the receiver.  I own multiple Pre-64 Model 70’s and the finish aesthetics are all consistent.  This rifle is unique in that it has a high polished receiver.  The seller provided me an auction of a similar Model 70 458 where there was documentation that the original buyer paid an upcharge for factory polishing of the receiver.  That gun looked very similar to the finished product on this one.  My concern is that it wasn’t factory polished, and someone actually re-blued this gun.  That doesn’t entirely make sense, because a 458 is not a gun that typically gets heavy use.  And the stock seems original and in good shape given the vintage, so it would seem odd the receiver and barrel would need to be re-blued, with the stock not showing similar signs of age and use.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  I really would like to purchase the gun, but don’t want to overpay for a gun that’s been re-blued either.  

 

I couldn’t figure out how to attach a picture to this post, so I included (2) links of pictures below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p-20RKdi1GiGeZ3ua2lesVNYCSxjStVU/view?usp=share_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AyPvtJ4aGQeMQsDDifZAa95EW_zs8YY6/view?usp=share_link

  

I agree with Seewin and your instinct that the rifle has been reblued is right on.  I’m endlessly amazed with the expert advice available here – that is provided just for the asking. 

Beautiful rifle. That should do the job.

Steve