FAQ – Questions & AnswersCategory: Winchester FAQHow to identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?
Milton Diaz asked 2 years ago
Can i identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?

6 Answers
Jordan Staff answered 2 years ago

Model 70s were first manufactured in 1936 and production continued until 1963; therefore, “pre-64” refers to any rifle that was made before 1963. The reason 1963 is significant is that that’s when Winchester made several changes to the Model 70 that many shooters believe degraded the quality of the rifle. One such change was switching from a forged steel receiver to a cheaper, investment-cast receiver. As a result, pre-64 Model 70s are generally considered to be superior rifles.

How to identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?

Pre-64 Model 70s are highly sought-after by collectors and shooters alike; however, they can be quite expensive, depending on the condition and configuration. For example, a pristine condition pre-64 with a straight stock and high-grade wood can easily fetch $5,000 or more. On the other hand, a beat-up pre-64 with a rounded stock and lower-grade wood may only be worth a few hundred dollars.

There are a few different ways to identify a pre-64 Winchester Model 70:

  1. One way is by the serial number, which will be stamped on the receiver.
  2. Another way is by the stock configuration; pre-64 Model 70s have what is called a “straight stock” (meaning the comb is perpendicular to the bore) while post-64s have a “drooped” or “rounded” stock.
  3. Finally, look at the wood quality; pre-64 rifles tend to have much better wood than their post-64 counterparts.

Olson Staff answered 2 years ago

To identify a pre-64 Winchester Model 70, you’ll need to know a bit about firearms and ammunition.

The Model 70 was first introduced in 1936, and for its first 28 years of production (up until 1964), it used a different action than the post-64 models. So, if you have a Model 70 that was manufactured before 1964, it’s likely a pre-64 model.

There are three main things you can look at to determine whether or not your Model 70 is a pre-64: the serial number, the bolt face, and the stock dimensions.

The serial number on a pre-64 Model 70 will be found on the right side of the receiver (where the bolt handle sits), and it will be between 3 and 5 digits long. If the serial number is 6 digits or longer, it’s not a pre-64 Model 70.

The bolt face of a pre-64 Model 70 will be round, while the bolt face of a post-64 model will be flat.

Finally, the stock dimensions of a pre-64 Model 70 will be different than those of a post-64 model. Specifically, the pre-64 stocks will have a slimmer forearm and a pistol grip that is more rounded at the bottom.

Lewis Staff answered 2 years ago

To accurately identify a pre-64 Winchester Model 70, you’ll need to know a bit about firearms and ammunition. The Model 70 was first introduced in 1936, and production ceased in 1963. There were several variations of the Model 70 produced during that time, so it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for.

How to identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?

One way to identify a pre-64 Model 70 is by the type of action used. Pre-64 models used either a straight-pull or a Mauser-type self-cocking system, while post-64 models used a different action altogether. Another way to identify pre-64 models is by serial number; all pre-64 Model 70s will have serial numbers that begin with “G.”

If you’re looking to purchase a pre-64 Winchester Model 70, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. These rifles are highly sought after by collectors and can be quite expensive. However, they’re also well-made rifles that will last a lifetime if properly cared for. With a bit of research, you can find a pre-64 Model 70 that fits both your budget and your collection.

Antony answered 2 years ago

The most reliable way to identify a pre-64 Winchester model 70 is by the serial number. Pre-64 Winchester model 70s will have a serial number that begins with “G.” post-64 Winchester models will have a serial number beginning with “2” or higher.

Another identifying characteristic of the pre-64 Winchester model 70 is the absence of an ejector magazine assembly. These rifles were only equipped with an internal box magazine. However, it’s important to note that many people swapped out ejector magazines for internals, so this isn’t always a reliable marker.

Finally, another visual identifier of the pre-64 Winchester model 70 is the receiver ring. These rifles have a wide, flat receiver ring as opposed to the more rounded rings seen on later models.

How to identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?

If you’re looking to purchase a pre-64 Winchester model 70, it’s important to be aware that these rifles are highly sought after by collectors and can command high prices. However, there are still many examples of these rifles out there, so it’s possible to find one at a reasonable price if you’re patient and do your research. When shopping for a pre-64 Winchester model 70, be sure to inspect the rifle carefully for any signs of wear or damage. These rifles are quite old, so it’s not uncommon to find some wear and tear. However, beware of any rifles that have excessive wear or damage, as this can negatively impact the value of the rifle.

Ivan Staff answered 2 years ago

First, look for the word “Winchester” stamped on the top of the receiver. This was a feature exclusive to the pre-64 models. You can also look for specific serial number ranges which were used on pre-64 Model 70s. Finally, take a look at the stock and check for a pistol grip cap and high comb – these were two more features that were unique to the pre-64s.

Of course, one of the best ways to identify any rifle is by its ammunition. The vast majority of pre-64 Model 70s were chambered in .30-06 Springfield, so if your rifle is chambered in that caliber, there’s a good chance it’s a pre-64. Other popular calibers for the pre-64 Model 70 included .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester.

Cruz Staff answered 2 years ago

There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to identify a pre-64 Winchester Model 70.

  1. These rifles were made before 1964, so they will not have the modern features that today’s rifles have.
  2. They are specific to .30-06 Springfield ammunition, so if you see a Model 70 chambered for another caliber, it is not a pre-64 model.
  3. The serial number can help determine whether or not a particular rifle is a pre-64 Model 70. Serial numbers for these rifles began at 700,000 and went up to 708, 2651. So if you see a Model 70 with a serial number below 700,000 or above 708, 2651, it is not a pre-64 Model 70.

How to identify a pre 64 Winchester model 70?