1949 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade

[blackdeuce]

Some of you guys might find this interesting. I don't know much about model 70s, but my son and brother do.

This one appears to be unmolested. It has a Lyman peep sight, but the type that didn't require modifications to the stock. We don't know if it shipped from the factory that way, but it appears to be the correct vintage of sight.

It has some handling marks, but most likely the original finish on the stock and original bluing. Original butt plate, etc. The floor plate is labeled Super Grade.

It came with a vintage strap.

 

[rockquarry]

Some of you guys might find this interesting. I don't know much about model 70s, but my son and brother do.

This one appears to be unmolested. It has a Lyman peep sight, but the type that didn't require modifications to the stock. We don't know if it shipped from the factory that way, but it appears to be the correct vintage of sight.

It has some handling marks, but most likely the original finish on the stock and original bluing. Original butt plate, etc. The floor plate is labeled Super Grade.

It came with a vintage strap.

Depending on your level of interest, it might be worth the expense to get a copy of Rule's "The Rifleman's Rifle" if you don't already have one.

 

[FatDogEarl]

What a beauty! What caliber?

 

[blackdeuce]

Depending on your level of interest, it might be worth the expense to get a copy of Rule's "The Rifleman's Rifle" if you don't already have one.

My son bought the hardback version. I might buy the paperback.

 

[blackdeuce]

What a beauty! What caliber?

Thank you.

. 30-06

 

[30-30remchester]

Sweet unmolested model 70. However, the rear sight like these were only used after 1952 and with monte carlo stocks.

 

[blackdeuce]

Sweet unmolested model 70. However, the rear sight like these were only used after 1952 and with monte carlo stocks.

We guessed that it wasn't original. We were just happy to see that it wasn't the type that required modification of the stock.

It would probably be impossible to find an original rear sight?

 

[blackdeuce]

Here are pics of the old strap.

 

[Bo Rich]

I would check to see if there is a mark on top of the barrel behind there rear sight dove tail. If so, it had a Winchester 22 G rear sight with a 3C elevator. These sights can be found on e-bay. A proper one will set you back $150.00, or so. The Super Grade was shipped from the factory with a leather sling. The most important thing to check would be the front sight it should be a Redfield with a Gold bead. This era Super Grade is easy to assemble. You just need a Super Grade stock, Super Grade floor plate, and a Redfield Gold bead front sight, and Wamo, you made a Super Grade. I don't thing that is the case with your rifle. Since it is a .30'06. You have a very nice rifle. If it were mine I would leave it as is. The fold down rear sight is a good match with the Lyman Peep.

 

[dobegrant]

Congratulations on a very nice find

 

[blackdeuce]

I would check to see if there is a mark on top of the barrel behind there rear sight dove tail. If so, it had a Winchester 22 G rear sight with a 3C elevator. These sights can be found on e-bay. A proper one will set you back $150.00, or so. The Super Grade was shipped from the factory with a leather sling. The most important thing to check would be the front sight it should be a Redfield with a Gold bead. This era Super Grade is easy to assemble. You just need a Super Grade stock, Super Grade floor plate, and a Redfield Gold bead front sight, and Wamo, you made a Super Grade. I don't thing that is the case with your rifle. Since it is a .30'06. You have a very nice rifle. If it were mine I would leave it as is. The fold down rear sight is a good match with the Lyman Peep.

I don't see any marks on the barrel behind the fold down sight.

 

[jdlii]

The original rear sight is on the barrel, as shown in your photographs.

 

[65Whelen]

Classic. Blued steel and beautiful wood. A real treasure now days. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bo Rich]

After seeing the pictures. I would think that the rifle came with the Lyman peep sight. The sight blank was removed, and the folding rear sight was added. Looks good. A little added security in case there was a problem with the peep sight. Which would be very unlikely. Keep it as it is. Again, you have a very nice rifle. Did you check the front sight for the gold beed?

 

[thebolt]

That's a beautiful rifle! Older guns were had the fit and finish from craftsmen who cared about their work and the finished product. Enjoy and cherish that rifle.

 

[Rustywrench]

Very Nice Rifle! I see in Rules book, that the Lyman receiver sight, 48WJS was available, with a rear sight blank, on the standard and super grade rifles. Also, in 1947, the Receiver sight was changed, as to allow the Stock to NOT be inletted. As yours appears to be a 1949, this seems correct. Also, the 22G would have been the rear sight, but no wear mark on your barrel that I can see. I don't know what model folding rear leaf sight that is, but seems fully functional. So, It is an interesting Question, as to what were originally on the rifle. But, no matter. If it were mine, I would keep exactly as is, and enjoy hunting with it! Thank you for Sharing Pictures.

 

[nhw]

Don't change a thing! Perhaps a little Lexol on the leather sling.

 

[The Norseman]

That is one nice Winchester Model 70! Leave it
exactly as is. Just shoot it and enjoy it.

To me I would not hesitate to use it to hunt with.

Thank you for sharing your story and taking the time
to post pictures.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[NavyFrank]

Nice 70 Super Grade I have one built in 1953 purchased by airman at the naval exchange in Turkey. Have original bill of sale with it came with iron peep sight and Weaver variable scope. Serial #267267 no sling. Sling swivels are only made for Super Grade and Winchester 88's 100 each UM will not
Fit.

 

[JimFr]

. . . . . .Sling swivels are only made for Super Grade and . . . . . .

Sorry Frank . . .Not true . . . .
There are factory-installed sling swivels on all my "standard"grade M70s.

I find the OPs' M70 to be of the vintage I need (1949) to insert into my "string" of "pre-64" years.
I have a 1946, '47, '48, '50, '51, and '52 . . . .all standard grades.
(The 1946 is of "pre-war" configuration, being made up with the beautiful, pre-war parts! . . . .INCLUDING the 20-line checkering on the stock!)
One can see the degradation of the quality of these gems as the years progressed.
(In fact, my 1998/99-era Featherweight has a safety that refuses to engage unless the bolt handle is jiggled as I move it to safe.)

OP . . . .Enjoy that rifle!
How's the bore? . . .There was a TON of 30-06, GI-corrosive- primed ammo available back in the 1950s' that ruined some nice rifles, thanks to Bubba' NOT cleaning in a timely fashion!