Hi,
I inherited a Winchester Model 70 rifle Super Grade .300 from my father after his death and was trying to find out more info or any info I could on it, along with determining the value to make a decision to sell or keep. Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Forgive my terminology as I’m not a gun person so feel free to have a chuckle at my descriptions.
Here is a link to a picture album which I hope works https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=michael.netzband.1&set=a.10165854664120133
If the above doesn’t post as a link, you can copy/paste the address above to view the pics. I tried this in my browser and it worked.
Here’s what I know:
– The serial number is 10155. Based on a conversation with Winchester Arms and the Cody Firearm Museum, Both told me the gun was made in New Haven, CT in 1937 based on the serial number.
– The bottom wooden part of the gun (stock and supporting the barrel) appear to be added later and/or replaced. The black part at the end would appear to be a giveaway, although it doesn’t personally feel like plastic to me. It could be of course and maybe doesn’t feel that way because its solid wood behind?? not sure. Some have speculated the original wood may have split and then replaced with this, but I’m not sure and can’t tell if the engraving is machine made or not?
– The bolt inside looks pre-64 based on photos I’ve found on the Internet so the 1937 date looks accurate.
– It is a model 70, .300 super grade or at least I think it is
– I do know it was made by Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
– The scope says W.R. Weaver Co. El Paso, Tx.
My big questions:
1. Any other info I can use to help describe accurately this rifle would be greatly appreciated or if I’m wrong/incorrect or right, I’d love to know anything someone could tell me. If there are any questions/pictures I can provide, I’m happy to do answer/provide them.
1a. Is the wooden part a replacement part added later? Is there a way to tell for sure and how?
1b. Is all the hardware original or appear to be?
2. What is the value or price range this could sell for and/or the best place to sell.
I greatly appreciate any and all help on this and even finding this forum. Thanks again for your help – I greatly appreciate it.
November 5, 2014
Hi MKY-
It appears that you have a G7059C, i.e. Super Grade rifle in 300 (H&H) MAGNUM. The left side of the barrel should be marked “300 MAGNUM” (not 300 H&H MAGNUM), as the barrel has the earliest style markings that date from 1936-1941. You are correct that the serial number application date of the receiver would be in 1937, and the barrel date, if you removed the rifle from the stock, would likely be ’37 as well.
The rifle appears to be an original Super Grade from that era, but it does have some modifications that would significantly hurt its “collector value”. The SG stock is an early one as evidenced by the positioning of the front sling swivel base close to the black fore end tip. The factory had problems with wood splitting between the front edge of the swivel base and the fore end tip so they moved the base back about another 1/2 inch beginning in 1938 as best I can estimate. Unfortunately the recoil pad is not factory and the run together lines in the checkering lead me to believe that the stock was refinished at some point and the checkering “freshened” by someone less skilled than the factory stock makers. The white spacer under the grip cap is an addition, but the cap itself is the factory part.
The “SUPER GRADE” floor plate is genuine Winchester, although the font of the “G” would tend to suggest it is a later part. I don’t know what to make of that since it seems to have enough finish wear to have been on the gun a long time. Sadly, the side scope mount is also not factory and installation required drill/tapping holes in the left side of the receiver. The original sights are missing, as it would have originally carried a Winchester 22G “sporting” rear sight and a Redfield full gold bead front sight. These have both been replaced by aftermarket dovetail filler blanks.
So at the end of the day…. If the bore is good, and it has not been rechambered to 300 Weatherby Magnum (an all too common fate for these barrels), then with some TLC you could have a heck of a nice shooter grade M70. No worries about damaging collector value by refinishing this one. As for value… In it’s current state the $900-1500 range quoted above seems reasonable.
Hope this helps!!!
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Not sure how to reply publicly to each message so I’ll just try to answer everything here. I’m located in Kentucky for the one kind person who asked and yes it does state on the other side of the barrel “300 Magnum” Winchester proof steel.
Quick follow up question. – Took this to a local gun store (they seemed knowledgeable and did have tons of military/gun experience (I know that doesn’t necessarily mean Winchester experience)) and according to their research, they felt it should sell for $3,000 – $5,000. Again, I’m no gun expert, and I will ask them what they are basing that on, but I’m wondering what the big discrepancy would be because $1,000 and $4,000 is big difference. For example – is there something we’re not seeing or is there something missing. According to them, they said it is a rare, hard to find rifle, but nothing else really. (I didn’t ask for specifics).
Any input anyone has as to why this might be would be great. thanks again.
MKY said Took this to a local gun store (they seemed knowledgeable and did have tons of military/gun experience (I know that doesn’t necessarily mean Winchester experience)) and according to their research, they felt it should sell for $3,000 – $5,000. Again, I’m no gun expert, and I will ask them what they are basing that on, but I’m wondering what the big discrepancy would be because $1,000 and $4,000 is big difference. For example – is there something we’re not seeing or is there something missing. According to them, they said it is a rare, hard to find rifle, but nothing else really. (I didn’t ask for specifics).
I wouldn’t ask for specifics or otherwise debate the matter with them, if you wish to sell. If they think it’s worth that much, you should let them sell it for you on consignment.
November 5, 2014
Hi MKY-
Not ever meaning any offense… In this case I agree 100% with Clarence…
If you gun was in factory original 95% condition it would IMHO be worth as much as $7500.00. Unfortunately, IMHO, it’s not. What I’m seeing in the photos is a (relatively rare) gun that been subjected to numerous post-factory modifications that reduce its “collector value” to virtually nill. Even as “parts”, the stock is altered, the receiver has been D&T, and the correct SG sights are gone. What’s left???
So if your local shop thinks they can get you $5K or more for the gun, I’d let them buy it or sell it on your behalf at a price you both deem appropriate…
Best of Luck!!!! Let us know how it turns out if you want…
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
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