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).
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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.