Winchester Model 70 Appraisal

Winchester Model 70 Appraisal


Introduction | History of Winchester Guns | Models |  Variations
Outline of Features | Condition  | 
Diagrams / Pictures  | 

A Brief History of Winchester Guns

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns was established by Oliver F. Winchester on February 20, 1866.  The first model produced under his name was the Model 1866 lever-action rifle .44 caliber rimfire.  There had been earlier rifles using lever action  including the Rocket Ball and Volition Repeater in 1848, Jennings Rifle (patent 1851), Smith and Wesson pistol, and Volcanic Repeating Arms (New Haven Arms Company and Henry Rifles).  When the design was improved by B. Henry Tyler (shop foreman at the New Haven Arms Company), the .44 caliber metalic rimfire cartridge became powerful enough to compete with the single shot rifles of the day.   Winchester Repeating Arms Company established itself as one of the world's leading firearms manufacturers of the world, and the subsequent rifles produced by Winchester are highly prized by collectors today.

About Model 70 Winchester Rifles
The Model 70  Winchester was considered the best bolt rifle ever produced in the United States.  It is often referred to as the "Rifleman's Rifle."  It had 11 distinct models (i.e., types, styles, variations) produced, was chambered for a diverse array of bullet calibers, and variations associated with production date.  The Collector value of these guns is high and rests mainly on condition, variation and caliber.  The fewer the guns of a certain caliber that were produced, generally the more valuable the gun.  The see how many of each caliber were produced, click here go to the number of guns produced.  The Model 70 was produced from 1935 until Winchester closed their Connecticut factory in 2006, with approximately 700,000 Model 70 guns sold prior to 1964.  This self-appraisal course deals with all Model 70 Winchester rifles, but focuses on the pre-64 Winchesters, or those guns produced prior to 1964.

Appraisals
To determine the value of your firearm, you must first analyze it carefully.  Next, find the caliber of your rifle.  The caliber is roll-stamped into the barrel just in front of the receiver (see following picture).

Caliber markings on the side of the barrel just in front of the receiver

There are 11 distinct models of the Model 70 Winchester Rifle, and they vary a great deal in value.  In appraising your gun, you must initially determine if you have the 'Standard model' or another type such as a 'Super Grade model.'   After selecting the appropriate Model and variation of your gun, you will be easily guided to the production date and value range. Enjoy the brief 4 steps through this process.

For a complete outline of the history of Winchester Guns
 Click Here

Appraisals
To determine the value of your firearm, you must first analyze it carefully. There will be sufficient information in this course to accurately price and date your firearm .  As you go through the process fill in appropriate boxes in the right-hand column by clicking the mouse-pointer on the open circle that is most appropriate.

In appraising your gun, you must initially determine your Model Configuration. After selecting the appropriate Model, you will be guided through the many possible variations, then condition rating, to the final value range. There are also additional informational pages on the history of Winchester firearms.  Recognize that the final value of your gun can be greatly influenced by special order features.

 There are 4 steps to this process as you enter your Data.

Step 1: Determine the Model or Configuration of your gun
Step 2: Determine Model Variations
Step 3: Determine your Firearm Condition
Step 4: Determine the Value and Manufacture Date of your Gun

Click Here to Begin your Appaisal.