I recently acquired a paperback copy of Roger C. Rule’s most excellent reference on the Winchester Model 70. I have already highlighted, underlined, dog-eared and made a few comments in the margins myself. Was wondering if those on this forum would care to contribute anything they may have added to their notes, or found out in addition to what the “Rule book” has to say. References by page number would be greatly appreciated.
Should Mr. Rule decide to publish an updated version of his reference piece, I will be one of the first in line. Until then, I would love to have all the current information I can get.
This book is truly an amazing piece of work.
“If it ain’t a Colt or a Winchester, it’s probably a copy.”
November 5, 2014

Hi Begger-
Roger’s book is indeed a fine piece of scholarship. It contains very few errors that I’m aware of, but there are several notable omissions. Too many to recount here in detail. I would say that his discussion of sights is superficial, but it would take a chapter to lay it all out.
Another tidbit Roger did not specifically address… Compare the position of the front sling swivel relative to the black forend tip in Figs 7-48 and 7-57. Early in production the swivel base was installed very close to the forend tip (maybe 1/4″ back). This apparently led to a lot of wood splitting between the front of the base and the tip, so the factory moved the base back to about 5/8″ from the tip. This difference is usually easy to spot in on-line photos. As best I can tell the new stocks began to appear with some frequency sometime in 1938 although the earlier stocks overlapped the newer ones at least through the 1930’s.
Good luck with your study!!!
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
There is a pre64 model 70 ftw in .06 up for auction locally. They have a 900 starting bid with a 17.5% buyer premium. He also charges a premium to the seller. I don’t know how he gets away with that, but he’s raking in the dough. Serial is 435299 on the FWT.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
Old Logger said
There is a pre64 model 70 ftw in .06 up for auction locally. They have a 900 starting bid with a 17.5% buyer premium. He also charges a premium to the seller. I don’t know how he gets away with that, but he’s raking in the dough. Serial is 435299 on the FWT.
Most auctions charge the seller and the buyer.
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