Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Push-feed Win M-70 in 300 H&H

Fairlane66
I just purchased a New Haven-produced Winchester Model 70 with a push-feed action chambered in 300 H&H. It is unfired, has the original hang-tag on the trigger guard, and wears a factory stock with the best walnut I've ever seen on a standard grade Winchester rifle. In fact, the stock figure surpasses most of the Super Grades I've seen or even guns from Winchester's custom shop. The gun has a 24" barrel and wears standard front and rear iron sights. Serial number is G1872xxx. Unfortunately, the gun didn't come with the original box.

I cannot find any information about Winchester chambering push-feed Model 70s in 300 H&H. I was told Winchester made a special run of about 300 rifles in 300 H&H sometime in the late 80s, but I cannot verify that. I've seen two similar Model 70s for sale recently on Gunbroker. One had a laminated stock and the other had a pretty "Plain Jane" piece of walnut--both had been used.

Can anyone tell me about the rifle I just purchased? Was it part of a special run? If so, how many were in the production run? When was it produced? Finally, is it possible this gun came from the custom shop? The hang-tag doesn't seem to bear any special marks, but would there be some way to tell from the tag or the gun? Thanks for the help, folks!
0

Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • TWalker
    I saw one like you described for sale at an auction in Hillsville, VA a few months ago. I was told by the seller that he bought a Super Grade stock for it. It originally had plain wood. The barrel was marked "Sporter" and the barreled action was a typical sporter variety M70.
    0
  • Fairlane66
    Anyone have any other thoughts? While TWalker's idea might be plausible, I don't think it's probable.
    0
  • sandwarrior
    quote:Originally posted by Fairlane66
    I just purchased a New Haven-produced Winchester Model 70 with a push-feed action chambered in 300 H&H. It is unfired, has the original hang-tag on the trigger guard, and wears a factory stock with the best walnut I've ever seen on a standard grade Winchester rifle. In fact, the stock figure surpasses most of the Super Grades I've seen or even guns from Winchester's custom shop. The gun has a 24" barrel and wears standard front and rear iron sights. Serial number is G1872xxx. Unfortunately, the gun didn't come with the original box.

    I cannot find any information about Winchester chambering push-feed Model 70s in 300 H&H. I was told Winchester made a special run of about 300 rifles in 300 H&H sometime in the late 80s, but I cannot verify that. I've seen two similar Model 70s for sale recently on Gunbroker. One had a laminated stock and the other had a pretty "Plain Jane" piece of walnut--both had been used.

    Can anyone tell me about the rifle I just purchased? Was it part of a special run? If so, how many were in the production run? When was it produced? Finally, is it possible this gun came from the custom shop? The hang-tag doesn't seem to bear any special marks, but would there be some way to tell from the tag or the gun? Thanks for the help, folks!



    What style checkering and is it cut or pressed? Does the barrel say anything unusual on it?
    FWIW, it's not the first time a really nice stock got put on a standard gun. Gun makers try to save the fancy stocks for the higher grade rifles. But you have to remember that when that gun was made composites weren't yet in vogue and wood was still the main material used. When you think about 30k-50k rifles a year being sold, that's a lot of wood. Sometimes the factory may not get a shipment in of standard grade wood and they have to use the higher grades to get rifles out. It doesn't cost them all that much, as they buy up to 50k a year or more, it just limits how much they can make by selling it on a higher grade rifle.
    0
  • Michibay
    Once in a while even a blind squirrel will find a walnut...Sounds like you did! For example...I found a Winchester Model 70A...not one of Winchester's best...with incredible wood! And, as we all know...WOOD makes the gun! I almost bought new a Model 70 push feed in 300 H&H. It seems to me that gun was for sale in the early to mid 80's. I would put them in the category of somewhat rare but not impossible to find. Sounds like a real KEEPER!
    0
  • Michibay
    I think your serial is around 1986
    0
  • Fairlane66
    To answer the earlier question, there are no special marks on the barrel. It simply reads, "Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter 300 H&H Magnum." The stock is the standard sporter style with cut checkering fore and aft, the black plastic recoil lug showing on the bolt-knob side, black metal grip cap, and detachable sling studs. I believe a Super Grade stock would have metal recoil lugs, right?

    Thanks for all the info so far. Does anyone know how many 300 H&H Magnums Winchester produced during this run? Was it a catalogued caliber or a special run?
    0
  • Michibay
    Sandwarrior is totally RIGHT! Like I said, I have an older Winchester Model 70A with wood MUCH BETTER than many Super Grades of that time! And YES they did produce guns that were not cateloged...I have one in 7mm Mauser. I have also seen some push feeds in 250-3000 Savage...not cateloged. You can almost assume not too many were made...My guess would be 500 or less...just a guess! In the last 25 years I have actually held ONE and have seen about THREE for sale. It's a keeper for sure! By the way, the 300 H&H was the TOP Elk Rifle out there prior to the Mid 60's and STILL a great performer.
    0
  • v35
    I've seen all grades of Winchester wood for sale.
    How's the fit around the barrel?
    0
  • Fairlane66
    First, to answer v35's question, the wood-to-metal finish along the barrel channel appears to have quite tight tolerances. Better yet, it's the same on both sides, not like some rifles that have a large gap on one side and touching on the other.

    Now, after some Internet searching, I may have found the source of this rifle. I found a similar rifle for sale on {elsewhere} (GA). See: http://www.{elsewhere}/909210834/Guns/Rifles/Winchester-Rifles-Modern-Bolt-Auto-Single/Model-70/Post-64/Winchester_XTR_Model_70_UNCATOLOGUED_300_H_H_magnum_One_of_only_30.htm This rifle looks exactly like the one I just purchased, but the wood on my rifle is actually nicer.

    According to the add, "Winchester XTR Model 70 (UNCATOLOGUED) 300 H&H magnum. One of only 300 Sporter Deluxe rifles mfg'd in 1987 exclusively for Wammes of Ohio, very rare piece of collectability. This unique rifle has 24" barrel and is absolutely new unfired in original box." I believe the ad is referring to Wammes Guns, Inc., of Fremont, Ohio. I purchased my gun from the original owner who lives in a town near Fremont, so I suspect there may be a link. I've never heard of Wammes Guns. Can anyone out there provide any info about Wammes? It would seem they might have had a special relationship with Winchester, just as Gopher did with their special Pre-64s. Any thoughts?
    0
  • Michibay
    I do not believe that the Post 64 Model 70 was exclusive to any particular dealer. The reason I say this is because the one I almost purchased was from a small Michigan dealer who was selling the rifle NIB along with his other Winchesters. He has been a Winchester dealer for over 80 years. Please feel secure by realizing that most all the gun companies produce smaller amounts of certain guns in calibers out of the ordinary. Yours is just one of them...My guess is they were distributed to dealers who perhaps sold their quota, thus they were kind of an award offering for being good dealers...
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity