We recently acquired a large collection of pre-64 model 70s out of Louisianna (see my other post to read about the fake “rare” rifles in that collection). In the collection was a 1952 standard rifle chambered in 7mm, which Lou Luttrell was sharp enough to point out was photographed and included in Roger Rule’s book. Now a 7mm model 70 is no slouch of a rifle, even without any special provenance. Only 1,470 model 70s were chambered in the 7mm (7x57mm Mauser cartridge), or about one-quarter of a percent of total production, making it pretty rare and hard to find. But Lou pointed out it had posed for photos in Rule’s book, and the caption of the photo sent me down a further bunny trail. The caption reads:
A “later” Standard Rifle, serial number 234,057, in 7 mm. Michael Kokin collection.
I asked Lou who Michael Kokin was and man did that turn into a fun research project. Lou sent over a few items which had been declassified by the CIA and with a bit of additional internet sleuthing I was able to unearth a story about a somewhat shady international arms dealer who also was a big model 70 collector. The post below was put together for our web-listing for the rifle.
The rifle is entirely original with little to no evidence of use. It grades in NRA excellent condition.
The metal is in excellent condition with original bluing and no wear except for minor wear on the bolt components and receiver rails. Likewise, there are no notable scratches, dings, freckling, repairs, or other metal defects.
The original Monte Carlo stock is also in excellent condition with only a very few light handling marks but no repairs, splits, cracks or other notable damage. The stock retains its steel buttplate, which has minor finish wear.
The bore of the 24″ barrel is in excellent condition. It may have had a few rounds put through it, but nothing more. We grade the bore a 10 out of 10 under borescope examination. Absolutely no wear, no pitting.
Both the bolt and receiver are marked with serial number 234057, indicating a 1952 manufacturing date.
Mr Hale
I too have a bit of history with Mr Kokin although remotely.
In 2012 I purchased an African from a fellow collector here on the west coast. With the “modified” rifle came a letter from Mr. Kokin explaining the provenance of said rifle.
As you can see, the barrel has been cut to 22 inches and it does in fact now have 2 cross bolts although not the bolts used on the later Africans.
On page 96 of Rules book there is an advertising picture of a 458 with two silver colored cross bolts.
I have shared this rifle with two very knowledgeable collectors both of which were very skeptical of the provenance and whether the work was done by Winchester.
This is a classic case of Buy the gun not the story, But who really knows.
DEEREHART said
I have shared this rifle with two very knowledgeable collectors both of which were very skeptical of the provenance and whether the work was done by Winchester.
This is a classic case of Buy the gun not the story, But who really knows.
Stories of wealthy Mexican businessmen are always the most tantalizing when selling rifles!
I have heard from at least one person with knowledge of Mike Kokin that “some of his rifles were shady”. But as you say – who really knows? The story is at least plausible, as Winchester did take back the early Africans and fit them with new/sturdier stocks when the early ones started cracking. The only real question mark is why would Winchester have put in these particular cross bolts rather than swapping the stock out for less figured wood, as they did on every other African they recalled. But I do believe it is plausible. I can see a scenario where Mr Shirley (like many other 458 owners) did not send their rifle back to Winchester because they did not want to swap into the less figured wood. And if the Mr Shirley made this argument to Mr Olin, I certainly can see a scenario where Mr Olin might offer to make the stock right without swapping it into stronger but less fancy wood. It is certainly how I might offer to solve an issue for a client of one of our custom rifles.
So the letter is great and to be honest, I’m probably one who would give the rifle the benefit of the doubt, since it has the letter with it.
Thanks for sharing that. It’s pretty cool.
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