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Winchester Model 70 production serial number query
Cadillac368
Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
Hi all,
have bought a beautiful walnut and blued Winchester Model 70 M70 XTR Featherweight in 30.06, neverfired as-new secondhand from a dealer. A collector had bought it but never touched it. It is unused, never-fired, as-new and in its original packaging.
The serial number is G153 73xx. It has iron sights as well as being tapped for a scope. I have searched many websites to no avail. Its USRAC manufacture, so c1981-2006, but I'm interested in knowing the year. Cars have VIN numbers that identify the week, month, and year when you know the code.
Can anyone here tell me the year of manufacture? I would be most grateful as I have searched many many websites to no avail.
Dermot
have bought a beautiful walnut and blued Winchester Model 70 M70 XTR Featherweight in 30.06, neverfired as-new secondhand from a dealer. A collector had bought it but never touched it. It is unused, never-fired, as-new and in its original packaging.
The serial number is G153 73xx. It has iron sights as well as being tapped for a scope. I have searched many websites to no avail. Its USRAC manufacture, so c1981-2006, but I'm interested in knowing the year. Cars have VIN numbers that identify the week, month, and year when you know the code.
Can anyone here tell me the year of manufacture? I would be most grateful as I have searched many many websites to no avail.
Dermot
Comments
Tim
I would if I could. The 800 number for doing so does not work from overseas. I live in Australia (but am from Oregon). I have emailed Olin/Winchester Australia - no answer yet.
Dermot
quote:Originally posted by duckhunter
Call Winchester.
Thanks!
I should have mentioned that it has excellent cut checkering and a blued pistol grip cap, thus is from 1972.
I joined the terrific Chuck Kawks list ( www.chuckhawks.com ) which has hundreds of reviews and articles on guns and cartridges - including a 5 page review of Model 70s.
Dermot
quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
From the serialization of the Blue Book, which is not the holy grail, but close enough, your rifle was a 1981 specimen.
Tim
From the serialization of the Blue Book, which is not the holy grail, but close enough, your rifle was a 1981 specimen.
Tim
Hi Tim,
Just got this below from Shooters Forum. My 'new' (read time capsule) rifle is from late 1981, just after USRAC took over production under licence from Olin.
Dermot
PS: Apparently numbering started again from G1 in 1992.....according to somebody else.
So far I have found the info below. That rifle appears to have been made in late 1981!
Does the recoil pad say USRAC?
Dermot
>Because there's so much interest in Winchester rifles here is a time line.
FAQ
Q What is the historical timeline for Winchester firearms?
Answer: Below is a brief timeline of historical information regarding Winchester Firearms:
Year Event
1854 Introduction of volcanic repeating handguns.
1855 Volcanic Repeating Arms Company formed.
Oliver Winchester buys stock in Volcanic Repeating Arms.
Volcanic carbine introduced
1856 Offices moved to New Haven, Connecticut.
Name changed to New Haven Arms Company.
1860 Henry rifle patented.
1862 First Henry rifles are sold.
1866 Oliver Winchester buys control of New Haven Arms Company and changes name to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
Model 1866 "Yellow Boy lever action introduced -- first gun to bear the Winchester name.
1868 Assets of Spencer Company purchased by Winchester.
1873 Model 1873 lever action introduced in centerfire and rimfire.
1875 Winchester buys rights to Hotchkiss bolt action centerfire.
1876 Model 1876 lever action introduced.
1879 John Browning patents his single shot rifle
1880 Oliver Winchester passes on.
1883 Model 1883 Hotchkiss Magazine Gun introduced.
First Winchester bolt action.
In the spring of 1883, rights to the Model 1878 Single Shot, (later called the Model 1885), were purchased by T.G. Bennett of Winchester. The Browning Shop had begun a partnership with Winchester that would last the next 19 years.
1886 Model 1886 lever action introduced.
1887 Model 1887 lever action shotgun introduced.
Model 1887 pump action shotgun introduced.
1890 T.G. Bennett becomes president of Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
Model 1890 slide action .22 rimfire introduced.
1892 Model 1892 lever action introduced.
1894 Model 1894 lever action introduced. The 94 is without doubt the most famous of all deer hunting rifles in history. In addition, no rifle came to symbolize the romance of the West more that the Winchester Model 94.
1895 Model 1895 centerfire rifle introduced. Utilizes a box magazine especially designed to accommodate the recently introduced high power smokeless cartridges and pointed bullets.
1899 Model 1890 bolt action .22 rimfire introduced.
1903 Model 1903 semi-auto .22 rimfire introduced.
1911 Model 1911 semi-auto shotgun introduced. The first Winchester semi-auto shotgun.
1912 Model 1912 pump shotgun introduced. Later called the Model 12.
1919 Model 52 rimfire bolt action introduced.
1925 Model 54 centerfire bolt action rifle introduced.
1930 Model 21 side-by-side. Considered the premiere American made double.
1931 Olin purchases Winchester Repeating Arms Company and combines it with the Western Cartridge Company.
1932 Model 62 slide action .22 rimfire is introduced.
1936 Model 70 centerfire bolt action rifle introduced. The first centerfire bolt action designed by Winchester specifically for sporting use.
1937 Model 37 single shot shotgun introduced.
1954 Model 50 semi-auto shotgun.
1959 Model 59 semi-auto shotgun introduced.
1963 Original Model 70 discontinued. Rifles before this date became known as Pre-'64 Model 70s. Model 101 over/under shotgun introduced.
1964 New Model 70 introduced.
Original Model 1400 introduced.
Model 1200 pump shotgun introduced.
Model 94 antique.
1966 Model 66 introduced -- first commemorative produced.
1967 Model 94 saddle ring carbine.
Model 94 Classic.
1972 Model 9422 introduced.
S.L.L.. Magnum
1974 Super-X Model 1 semi-auto shotgun introduced.
1978 Model 1300 pump & 1500 semi-auto shotguns introduced.
Model 23 XTR
1979 Model 94 XTR
Model 94 XTR Big Bore
1981 U.S. Repeating Arms Company is formed and continues manufacturing Winchester brand rifles and shotguns in New Haven, Connecticut, under license from Olin Corporation.
1982 Model 70 Westerner
1983 Model 94 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative
Model 9422 Annie Oakley Commemorative
1984 Model 94 angle eject
Winchester & Colt Commemorative set
Model 1300 Featherweight pump shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga.
Model Winchester Ranger semi-auto shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga.
Model 1300 pistol grip models
Model 70 Featherweight Ultra Grade
1985 Model 70 Lightweight carbine standard action
Model 70 Lightweight mini-carbine short action
Model 70 XTR Sporter
Model 70 XTR Super Express Magnum
Model 70 XTR Sporter Varmint
Model 94 angle eject standard Big Bore carbine
Model 9422 XTR rifle standard or magnum calibers
Model 9422 XTR Classic rifle standard or magnum calibers
Model 9422 Eagle Scout Limited Edition
Model 9422 Boy Scouts of American Commemorative
Model 1300 magnum Waterfowl
Model 70 Ranger youth model carbine
Model 1300 Ranger youth slide action
Model 70 Ranger bolt action, standard action
Model 94 Ranger lever action carbine
1986 Model 23 Classic Series -- Quail Special, Super, Pigeon, two barrel hunting set
Model 23 Classic 12 gauge
Model 23 Classic 20 gauge
Model 23 Classic 28 gauge
Model 23 Classic .410 gauge
Model 23 Custom two barrel set
Model 23 Golden Quail
Model 23 Light Duck
Model 94 120th Commemorative Anniversary Carbine
Model 9422 "The Lady"
1987 Model 70 50th Anniversary Edition
Model 70 Lightweight rifle longer barrel
Model 70 "WinTuff" "WinCam" and "WinLite"
Model 94 WinTuff carbine
Model 94 long barrel rifle
Model 9422 WinCam .22 magnum
Model 1300 Camo Pack 22" and 30" barrels
Model 1300 Ranger Deer combination pack
Model 1300 Ranger shotgun combination
1988 Model 1300 Wild Turkey Federation "Gun of the Year"
Model 1300 XTR 28" barrel
Model 1300 XTR Featherweight 22" barrel
Model 1300 WinTuff magnum
Model 1300 WinTuff Deer gun with rifled barrel
1989 Model 70 Varmint 26" barrel
1990 Model 70 Sporter 25-06,
Model 70 Custom Super Grade 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., 338 Win. Mag.
Model 70 Super Express .375 H&H Mag., 458 Win. Mag., .375 Standard
Model 9422 Exclusive Magnum models
Model 1400 28", 20 ga. barrels -- Slug Hunter
Model 1300 Slug Hunter
Model 1300 28" barrels
Model 1300 Stainless Marine, corrosion resistant finishes
Model 70 Super Grade .270 Win., 30-06 Springfield
Model 70 Featherweight calibers, 65X55, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag.
Model 70 Ranger -- Adult .243 Win.-- Ladies/Youth .308 Win.
Model 94 improved sights, quarter action
Model 1400 26" barrel, High Grade model
Model 1400 Walnut Slug Hunter
Model 1400 all combos and deer guns drilled & tapped for scope
Model 1300 White Tails Unlimited "Gun of the Year"
Model 1300 26" barrels, custom model
Model 1300 Ranger 26", all deer
Model 1300 20 gauge Defender
1992 New management at U.S. Repeating Arms. Plans for entirely new, modern production facility in New Haven, Connecticut, under license from Olin Corporation.
Model 70 Stainless rifle
Model 70 Featherweight classic with controlled round feeding
Model 70 detachable magazine
Model 70 .308 Win. in composite stock
Model 70 Ranger in .223 Rem.
Model 94 Large Loop Wrangler model in .357 Mag.
Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series III "Gun of the Year"
1993 Model 70 Custom Sharpshooter 7mm STW
Model 70 Super Express model
Model 70 Heavy Varmint, synthetic stock, heavy barrel
Model 70 DBM-S, detachable box magazine
Model 12 Classic Traditions, 20 ga. Grade I-IV
Model 52 Classic Traditions .22 Sporting rifle
Model 42 Classic Traditions .410 High Grade
Model 1001 over/under shotgun
Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series IV
Model 1400 Quail Unlimited
1994 Return of the Pre-'64 Model 70 type action design with claw extraction, controlled round feed, fixed-type ejection and many other features that made the original the most loved and prized bolt action rifle in history. Of all the Winchesters, no rifle design has been revered more among hunters, collectors, target shooters and outdoor writers than the Model 70 with the Pre-'64 type action
One Hundredth Anniversary of the Winchester Model 94 lever action. Specially engraved anniversary models are offered to commemorate the most famous of all Winchester lever actions. Often called "The Gun that Won the West." Its design and effectiveness is so superior that it remains one of the most popular deer rifles in the world.
Model 94 Custom Limited Edition Centennial
Model 94 Limited Edition Grade I and High Grade
Model 70 Classic Custom Sharpshooter .220 Swift
Model 70 Classic Super Express .416 Rem. Mag.
Model 70 Heavy Varmint .220 Swift
Model 70 Classic DBM .284 Win.
Model 1300 Realtree Turkey gun
1995 Model 70 Ultimate Classic with fluted barrel
Model 70 Ultimate Classic stainless with full octagon barrel
Model 94 Legacy
Model 1895 Limited Edition High Grade
Model 1895 Limited Edition Grade I
Model 9422 High Grade
Model 1001 discontinued
Model 1300 Turkey
Model 1300 Deer with rifle barrel, Full Advantage camo pattern
Model 1300 Deer with smoothbore barrel with Full Advantage camo pattern
1996 Model 70 Custom Classic Sharpshooter II stainless steel
Model 70 Custom Classic Sporting Sharpshooter II
CR BOSS
Model 70 Classic Featherweight All-Terrain
Model 9422 Trapper
1997 Model 70 Ultimate Classic Stainless with full octagonal barrel, left-hand version
Model 63 High Grade semi-auto
Model 1895 Grade I
Model 1892 High Grade and Grade I
Model 70 Classic Featherweight Stainless
Model 70 Classic Laredo Long Range Hunter
Model 70 Classic Sporter right or left-hand
Model 94 Trails End with American Walnut stock
Model 9422 Anniversary Edition High Grade
Model 9422 Anniversary Edition Grade I
Model 1300 Turkey with gray all purpose Realtree camo full camo coverage
Model 1300 Advantage Field
Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic stock
Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic pistol grip stock
1998 Model 1886 High Grade
Model 70 Classic Compact
Model 70 Classic Laredo LRH fluted barrel
Model 70 Classic Laminated Camo Stainless
Model 70 Black Shadow
Model 94 Black Shadow
Model 94 Ranger Compact
Model 9422 Legacy
Model 9422 Large Loop and walnut
Model 9422 High Grade Series II
1999 Super X2 3 1/2"
Super X2 Turkey 3 1/2"
Super X2 3"
Super X2 Field 3"
Model 1300 Upland Special
Model 1300 Camp Defender
Model 70 Classic Safari Express
Model 94 Timber Carbine
Model 70 Custom African Safari, .358 STR
Model 70 Custom "Ultra Light" Mannlicher
2000 Super X2 receives Guns and Ammo's Reader's Choice Gun of the Year.
Winchester rugged outdoor clothing introduced.
Model 70 named "Bolt Action of the Century" by acclaimed Shooting Times editor, Rick Jamison.
Supreme Over/Under shotgun introduced
Model 1300 Black Shadow Cantilever Deer, Black Shadow Deer, Camo Turkey, and Compact Deer offered
Model 70 Coyote push-feed rifle and the 7mm STW caliber offered
Model 94 Pack Rifle available
Winchester offers historic rifles in the Model 1885 Low Wall rimfire, the extra light Model 1886, and the Model 1895 in 405 Winchester. (This caliber not immediately available).
Many new models from the Custom Gun shop in both Model 70's and Model 94's offered
2001 Super X2 in 3 1/2" NWTH Turkey black synthetic stock, and camo option offered, as well as a Sporting Clays shotgun.
Model 1300 NWTH Black Shadow, Turkey Superflage and Buck & Tom, Superflage Camo offered with TRUGLO sights
Model 9410, a .410 bore lever action shotgun makes it debut. It received the "Shotgun of the Year" award from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. 24" barrel, cylinder choke holds up to 10 rounds.
The 300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum is developed and introduced as a joint effort between Browning/Winchester Olin Corp. It wins the prestigious "Ammunition of the Year" award. Three Model 70's were chambered for this cartridge, which gave maximum power in a short action rifle.
Model 70 in Classic Stainless offered in new Rem. 300 Ultra Mag caliber
Model 1895 in 405 caliber again announced in a Grade I and High Grade.
Custom Shop offers the Model 70 in 416 Rigby, 470 Capstick, 375 Ultra Mag., 300 WSM and 450 Marlin. A takedown Model 70 is introduced.
Model 94 "Classic Custom" limited edition in 38-55 announced.
2002 The Winchester Short Magnum in 270 WSM and 7mm WSM available in the Model 70
Model 94 in an exquisite, I of 1000, and 1 of 100 Heritage Model 94 Limited edition in 38-55 caliber
Model 9410 Packer shotgun, shorter barrel
Super X2 Greenhead with a Dura-Touch stock
Model 1300 NWTH introduced in a Short Turkey version
The 270 WSM wins "Ammunition of the Year" by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
2003 New 223 and 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) cartridges introduced
New Model 70 Super Shadow and Ultimate Shadow Blued and Stainless with new over-molded stocks with rubber gripping surfaces
Model 70 Featherweight Super Short, Coyote, Camo Ultimate Shadow and RMEF Super Grade Stainless
The Model 94 and 9410 offered with new top tang safety to preserve looks
The Model 9417 offered in Traditional and Legacy models
New Supreme Select Elegance, Field and Sporting models offered
Dura-Touchr Armor Coating added to many models
SX2 in the Universal Hunter Field and Signature Red Sporting added
Custom Shop offered a Custom Carbon and Custom Featherweight Model 70 and Custom Limited Edition, New Generation Model 94
2004 The 25 WSSM caliber added
Model 70s offered in the new WSSM calibers. New RMEF Super Grade and Sporter LT models and new Coyote Model 70 in stainless
Controlled Round Push Feed models emphasized in the Model 70s, Super Shadow Blued, Coyote Stainless and Stealth II
The Model 94s offered Trails end Octagon barrel with case-colored receiver, a Trails End Octagon
2005 The 325 WSM caliber was added to the Model 70 line. Used for thick-skinned, big game animals.
A Super Grade III, and Sporter III stock were added to the Model 70 line.
A Camo Ultimate Shadow with blued barrel offered.
A Super Grade III Model 70 and a model for the RMEF is offered.
Featherweight in stainless and a new Sporter III is introduced.
The Coyote now comes in a stainless, Lite stainless or Lite blued model.
In the Historical guns section, the Model 1885 High Wall comes is offered in all three WSM calibers, and the Low Wall model is offered in 17 Mach 2 caliber.
The Model 94 lever action is now available in a Trails End Hunter model, with a round or octagon barrel. A Marble's front sight is featured on most Model 94 rifles.
The new Timber Scout, a very fast, quick rifle is offered in 30-30 or 44 Rem. Mag.
The Model 94 Legacy, with a 26" round or octagon barrel, is offered with a blued or case-colored receiver.
The Model 9422, one of the most popular 22 rimfire rifles ever, is discontinued. Several high-grade "Tribute" models are available for a limited time.
In the over/under shotgun line, there is a new Energy Sporting and Energy Trap, with or without an adjustable comb.
The Super X2 now has a fine camo finish on the 3 1/2" Camo Waterfowl model, and a new Light Field is available. The 3" Sporting Clays Signature has a red anodized receiver and magazine cap. There is a new Model 1300 in a NWTH Short Turkey, and a new Practical Defender.
From the Custom Shop comes a custom case-colored Model 9410 lever-action shotgun.
__________________
Bob from Idaho
Here's a list of Serial numbers and production dates to go along with the introduction time line.
Winchester Pre 64 Model 70 Information
Bolt action rifle, made in Short Rifle (Carbine), Standard, Featherweight, Magnum, Varmint, Super Grade or Match versions.
Introduced in 1935 but not sold until 1937 starting at S/N 1 & made to up 1963 at S/N 581,471 for the pre-64 versions.
Cataloged calibers were, 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 243 Win., 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 264 Win Mag. 270 Win., 7x57mm Mauser, 7.65 Argentine, 300 Savage, 308 Win., 30-06, 300 H&H magnum, 300 Win. Mag. 338 Win Mag. 35 Remington, 358 Win. 9x97 mm, 375 H&H magnum, 458 Win. magnum
These guns were made in carbine, (20"), featherweight, (22"), standard (24"), magnum & varmint (26") barrels. The carbine & standard barrels had a raised ring, (boss) at the rear sight dovetail so that the dovetail was above the normal slot cut in the barrel. The featherweight & varmint barrels did not have the rear sight boss. The breech end of the barrel copied the 1903 Springfield coned breech.
All guns other than the target versions used a barrel with an integral front ramp until 1955 when the ramps were silver soldered on. Sling swivels were the standard on-detachable bows for the standard grade. Buttplates were a forged checkered steel with a lip on top, until later when they were black plastic.
All the stocks were walnut & were hand checkered, except some match guns which were plain. The non magnum caliber magazines held 5 rounds. The steel hinged magazine cover was held in place at the rear by a plunger that was housed inside the front of the guard bow, (trigger guard). Triggers were simple, but adjustable.
There were 3 different types of safeties used on these guns. The original spatula thumb piece which blocked the line of sight for iron sights in the safe position & had to be moved to the left to fire. The transition & others thereafter will swing to the right or the muzzle to fire.
The pre-64 was only made in a "long" action, as when using shorter calibers, the magazine box had spacers added in either the rear or front, or both to allow feeding. A filler (spacer) block was added to the extractor ring that acted as a bolt stop & was made different lengths to accommodate each caliber other than the standard (30-06 & magnums). The ejector was made longer to compensate for shorter calibers.
Pre-War:
The "Pre-War" (up to early 1942) version had a cloverleaf rear tang & was made from s/n 1 to about s/n 60,500
The bolt shrouds on the pre-war will be flat on top and the transition model will be round.
The bolt handle on the pre-war will have a 90 degree step at the base and the transition does not.
The pre-war will have clip slots at the front of the rear receiver bridge on all of the standard actions. The transition model has the clip slots on the target rifles in 30-06 only or by special order.
The rear bridge on the pre-war has no original holes in the recessed and matted wavy line area. It does have (2) peep sight holes on the LH side of the rear receiver. Scope mounts in that era used a rear base that was made to use these peep sight holes on the side.
Transition guns:
The "Transition" was then made from 1945 until 1951 from approximately s/n 60,500 - 87,700 on the standard action and s/n 63,200 - 121,700 for the magnum action. The reason for this is that it appears there was 2 assembly lines. The carbines were discontinued about 1947.
The transition safety lever was changed to swing to the muzzle to fire. These 3 position safeties had an abbreviated lever that did not hang lower than the top of the sleeve. The transition version has two holes on the rear bridge with a space of .865 center to center, and no recessed wavy line area.
The "Later" pre-64 version went up into late 1963 & ended at s/n 581,471. It's safety had a extension protruding over the side of the sleeve & could have been called a full safety lever
There was supposed to be a gap in serial numbers between the ending of the "Pre 64" at s/n 581,471, and the new "Post 64" guns that started at s/n 700,000.
Featherweight:
The Featherweight was introduced in 1952 & used a shorter barrel, 22", with no rear sight hump, & the guard bow (trigger guard) & magazine cover were made of black annodized aluminum. The buttplate was also aluminum. The stock had 2 holes drilled about 7" deep under the buttplate. All other metal parts interchanged with the standard gun.
The Super Grade:
The Super grade guns had a sling swivel similar to the now commonly known Quick Take-Down type only they were about ?" wide at the base. The bows were made of a crude casting. Very late SG guns & factory replacement parts, used a narrower base that is compatible with the common QD bases. The magazine cover has "SUPER GRADE" stamped in the outside of the cover. The front sight was a Redfield sourdough. Wood was a higher grade than was found on the standard grade guns. There was a grip cap on these versions.
Westerner:
The Westerner was available in either the 264 or 300 Win. Mag. with a 26" barrel.
Alaskan:
The Alaskan could be had in either a 338 Win mag. or the 375 H&H mag. It came with a 25" barrel.
African:
The Afican was available only in the 458 Win Mag with a 25" barrel.
Serial Numbers for date manufactured for pre-64 guns
Year S/N start S/N end Quantity
1936 1 2,238 2,238
1937 2,239 11,573 9,335
1938 11,574 17,844 6,271
1939 17,845 23,991 6,147
1940 23,992 31,675 7,684
1941 31,676 41,753 10,078
1942 41,754 49,206 7,453
1943 49,207 49,983 777
1944 49,984 49,997 14
1945 49,998 50,921 924
1946 50,922 58,382 7,461
1947 58,383 75,675 17,293
1948 75,676 101,680 26,005
1949 101,681 131,580 29,900
1950 131,581 173,150 41,570
1951 173,151 206,625 33,475
1952 206,626 238,820 32,195
1953 238,821 282,735 43,915
1954 282,736 323,530 40,795
1955 323,531 361,025 37,495
1956 361,026 393,595 32,570
1957 393,596 425,283 31,688
1958 425,284 440,792 15,509
1959 440,793 465,040 24,248
1960 465,041 504,257 39,217
1961 504,258 545,446 41,189
1962 545,447 565,592 20,146
1963 562,593 581,471 15,879
Winchester Post 64 Model 70 Information
POST 64 GUNS:
Gun production methods had changed to the point that Olin had to look at just how they made this model as compared to how Remington was making the model 700's. Winchester was making guns the "OLD WAY" using many machines & multiple operations to complete each part.
Remington on the other hand had gained much from WWII production insight by using stamped parts wherever possible & different design methods when they introduced their new model 721 & 722 right after the war.
Winchester on the other hand was kind of stuck with the established & well thought of model 70, which did not lend itself with modernization without suffering dramatic cosmetic changes. The upper level management at Olin must have thought that they could convince the buying public that the newer models were just as good.
Mechanically they were, but just try to convince the older generation that knew what they wanted, not what somebody thought they wanted. This time frame also saw one of our greatest inflationary periods ever. Increased shortages of good walnut for stocks & the rise in cost of steel & other alloy materials.
Raising demands for American skilled labor also was a contributing factor. Many extras that were offered before were dropped from the catalogs, probably because they had no one skilled enough to produce the extras.
One author stated that the existing tooling was wearing out. This may have been so to a point, but my thoughts are that the company needed to cut production costs to survive & the R & D crew was given a task. They did an admirable job while yet maintaining the somewhat resemblance of the predecessor.
Serial numbers were supposed to have started at 700,000 when the new model was introduced in1964. However a few have been noticed at numbers below that established guideline.
Many things changed on this model as compared to just the year before. The most obvious was the impressed checkering & stock finish. The old Mauser type extractor was eliminated & a new style smaller unit was moved into the RH bolt lug & it used a spring loaded plungered system. The ejector was a small spring loaded plunger incorporated into the bottom front of the bolt face. There was a striker cap on the rear of the bolt sleeve covering the rear of the firing pin, serving as a gas deflector.
The sights were made by Williams Gunsight Co. as their standard replacement sights for gunsmiths that screwed onto the barrel. The action was lengthened slightly to accommodate the longer cartridges.
The magazine boxes were stamped & utilized feed rails/lips instead of the receiver having to be machined for each cartridge.
The trigger guard (guard bow as the factory calls it) was made from an aluminum casting that was painted black. The floorplate was a steel casting that was copper plated & then black chromed.
The barrel used the same threads as before, but did not keep the coned breech. The trigger & sear were a casting. The bolt handle was cast & silver solder welded onto the rear of the bolt body. There was no anti bind lug on the middle left side of the bolt body.
After the 1968 Federal gun control law, (put thru congress after JF Kennedy was assassinated), all the Post 64 guns then carried a "G" s/n prefix at near 874,000. This was also the time the "Anti-Bind" bolt was initiated. This new bolt used a lip on the lower edge of the RH locking lug. The lip rode under a part of the receiver rail that help prevent bolt binding.
USRAC:
Over the years since 1964 this model has went thru many cosmetic changes. These ranged from cheaper guns with blind magazines & walnut stained birch stocks, to Mannlicher stocks, to hard finished walnut with machine cut checkering. The list goes on which included 11 different styles.
USRAC (United States Repeating Arms Corp.) was formed and continued manufacturing Winchester brand rifles and shotguns under license from Olin Corp. on 7-20-1981. This final year of Olin production saw a new "XTR Featherweight". But very few actually made it to the dealers shelves before USRAC took over.
The only way I have been able to discern the difference is that the thin red/brown rubber Pachmayr buttplate would have been the only difference displaying either the name "Winchester" or "USRAC".
USRAC, which licenses the Winchester name from Olin Corp., was acquired by the French government owned defense contractor giant GIAT Industries in late 1990.
Many changes were made to the model 70 under USRAC's leadership. They came up with a detachable magazine in about 1989, then changed the magazine again the next year when they reintroduced the claw type extractor similar to the pre-64 type. One problem was that they called it the "pre 64 type". Many not so knowledgeable customers thought it was indeed a pre 64, as they did not read the word TYPE when they needed spare parts. Parts are not interchangeable with the pre 64 guns.
USRA came out with short action guns to accommodate the shorter 223 or 243 length cartridges. They also came out with stainless steel versions.
In about 1992 the BOSS accurizeing system was introduced as an adjustable unit on the muzzle.
A new $15 million plant was opened in October 1994 in New Haven, Conn., the 225,000-square-foot plant house state-of-the-art equipment run by approximately 550 employees.
One bad situation encountered is that now if you need factory repair, ( bolt or barrel replacement), for a gun made before 1981, the USRA factory will send the gun back, saying no parts are available. Parts ARE the same as currently used & are available, BUT since Olin made the gun & not USRA, the lawyers for the factory have decided that since USRA did not make the gun that they will not repair it because of liability concerns.
The above discontinuance of repairs was not limited to the model 70, as it covers all the other models including the model 94.
Serial Numbers for date manufactured for post-64 guns
Year S/N start S/N end Quantity
1964 700,000 757,180 57,181
1965 757,181 818,500 61,320
1966 818,501 855,860 37,360
1967 855,861 873,694 17,834
1968 G873,695 G929,990 56,296
1969 G929,991 G965,200 35,210
1970 G965,201 G1,000,436 43,236
1971 G1,000,437 G1,041,884 33,448
1972 G1,041,885 G1,088,291 46,407
1973 G1,088,292 G1,130,146 41,855
1974 G1,130,147 G1,176,878 46,732
1975 G1,176,879 G1,235,041 58,163
1976 G1,235,042 G1,298,272 63,231
1977 G1,298,273 G1,380,667 82,395
1978 G1,380,668 G1,423,869 43,202
1979 G1,423,870 G1,450,135 26,266
1980 G1,450,135 G1,493,463 43,328
1981 G1,493,464 G1,525,323 31,860
Guns made after 1981 would have been made by USRA & not shown on this chart
__________________
Bob from Idaho
I am sure at some point Mr.Bert H., will be along to give us a history lesson. He is our resident Winchester Expert, and by a long shot. His specialty is old winchesters, especially the single shot 1885 models(I think that is so he does not have to take his shoe off to count shots...hehehehe). He is fabulous on ALL winchesters...the best I have ever met, even if not in person.
So... that is why I do not own a pair of shoes[:0][;)]
Truth be told, I know very little about the post-63 manufactured Model 70s, most especially the U.S.R.A.Co. manufactured Model 70s.[:I]
WACA Historian & Life Member