pre 64 ?

trc313

April 22, 2014 07:47

Neighbor has a winchester model 70 30-06 for sale. I see that the pre 64's bring more money. How can I tell what he has? I have zero experience with these rifles. Serial is G341xx if this helps. Any info would be greatly appreciated

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  rufe-snow

  April 22, 2014 08:11

  Winchester went to the "G" prefix in 1969. The rifle you're inquiring about. Probably was made in the 90's, by WRA, Winchester successor.
  
  Since WRA's bankruptcy in 2006. The prices of their rifles has escalated substantially. If the rifle is factory original and in Very Good condition or better? It would have some collectors value.

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  trc313

  April 22, 2014 08:22

  thanks. looks well taken care of

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  Bert H.

  April 22, 2014 10:04

  The Model 70 in question was manufactured by the U.S. Repeating Arms Company (USRACo) in the mid to late 1990s. They did not go bankrupt in 2006. Instead, their parent company FN Herstal, chose to shut down the New Haven, CT factory. In 2008, production of the Model 70 was resumed at the new factory in Columbia, SC.
  
  The value for the USRACo manufactured Model 70s has not escalated, nor is it ever likely to. They are good quality serviceable rifles, but not "collectable" or valuable. In very good to excellent condition, a standard 30-06 is a $450 rifle (not including any optics that may be on it).

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  tsr1965

  April 22, 2014 10:21

  USRAC did make two different types of the Model 70, in the New Haven plant, at the time yours was most likely made. There was the push feed Post-63 type, with the Remington style extractor, then there was the Model 70 Classic, which was a remake of the Pre-64 Model 70, with the controlled round feed, Mauser claw type extractor.
  
  The latter, has substantially more value than the former. The knowledgeable will chose these over the push feed type. The new Columbia, SC made ones, I do believe are all Pre-64 style, with the Claw/controlled round feed extractor. They do get pretty big $$ for them.
  
  It depends on which type your neighbor has, and what exact variation of the Model 70 it is...i.e., Shadow, Ultimate Shadow, Featherweight, Sporter, Coyote, Stealth, etc.
  
  Best

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