We're all pre-64 model 70s prior to SN 700,000|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Bert is correct.

ALL TRUE…

What makes this more complicated is the re-introduction of the CRF Model 70 “Classic” by USRAC. 

At the point in 1969 (around S/N 925,000) that Winchester added a “G” prefix to serial numbers to comply with GCA 68, they were only making the push feed post-63 Model 70s and they just kept going with the serial number sequence (simply adding a “G”).  By the time Olin sold the New Haven plant to USRAC in 1981 they had reached G1,525,323, and again USRAC just kept going with the serial numbers.  Nice and simple…

BUT… While GCA 68 requires a “unique” serial number be applied to each Manufacturer/Model, technically Model 70 serial numbers G1 through about G925,000 were unused.  When USRAC started making the “Classic”, while at the same time continuing to make the push feed M70s, they started numbering “Classics” from (I think) G0001.  Some serial number blocks got assigned to the Custom Shop, while others appear to have been used for regular “Classic” production.

This is the point where I get lost!!!

There are “four-digit”, “five-digit”, “six-digit”, etc. “Classics” out there with serial numbers that are the same as pre-64 M70s except for the “G”.  I am unaware of any complete/accurate USRAC serial number information explaining when/how these “Classic” serial numbers were assigned.  Even FN/Browning doesn’t appear to have USRAC serial number records…  This ends up causing a great deal of confusion for people using the WACA serial number lookup, since, for example, Model 70 serial number 220,000 (a pre-64 serial number) was made in 1952, but Model 70 serial number G220,000 is a “Classic” made sometime in the 1990s…

So the long answer to Kevin’s question appears to be that ALL pre-64 Model 70s have serial numbers below 581,471, but NOT ALL Model 70s with serial numbers below 581,471 are pre-64…  Confused yet???

Lou