For Sale Winchester Mod 70 375 H&H

I'm not the OP and have no connection to the seller or rifle. But, Warpig, I can tell you that the New Haven guns (Serial No. starts with G) had rear sights like this one, and have a round bolt shroud, also like this one. The FN guns have a flat surface on the right hand side of the bolt shroud (not seen here). So I'm pretty sure it is a "G" serial number rifle.
 
You seem a wee bit touchy. I read a previous for sale post on here where you called Gizmo classless and a joke for an offer he made you. I have never ever thought anything but the best of Gizmo.

I would be wary of any transaction with you until your attitude gets better.
 
What does the G mean?
Excellent question, I googled it as I have Model 70's with that prefix and others without it. I found the information regarding the G prefix confusing and in many cases conflicting. I look forward to someone with more knowledge than I educating us on it!
 
Well, it ("G") is the prefix for the rifles made in the New Haven location before that iteration of Winchester ended manufacturing them. That was about 2006 IIRC. After about 2 years FN began manufacturing Model 70s with the Winchester name in South Carolina. The first few years the guns were made entirely there, then I think they have been assembled in Portugal but still manufactured in the US. I'm not sure of the ownership umbrella, but essentially the Browning products and Winchester are part of the same group. The rifles made by FN are different in a couple of respects. They have an enclosed trigger similar, but not identical, to the trigger in the Browning X Bolt rifles. That contrasts with the traditional Model 70 triggers, a long respected design, that persisted through the end of the New Haven era. They have once piece bottom metal, where earlier M70s always had separate trigger guards and floor plates. I noticed the FN rifles have a cone breech like the pre-64 rifles. They have also added a bolt guide of sorts behind the left recoil lug to make the operate a little more smoothly. The left side of the bolt shroud has a small flange that blocks any escaped gas a little better.

Personally, I have owned a number of Pre 64 70s and several New Haven guns, and now have my first FN made rifle. I have to say that the new rifle is the smoothest operating and best finished of the bunch. I haven't shot it yet but they are generally said to be as accurate as any M70s that have been made. The stock is better fitted to the barreled action than the New Haven guns, especially the later ones. I was not too enthused about the change in the trigger design. As a closed design, it might capture or retain debris more readily than the original. The pull was ok, but too heavy, and although adjustable for weight and over travel, it could not be reduced below about 4.5 pounds. I bought a spring kit for it, installed it, and very carefully polished the surfaces of the trigger parts with 1200 grit sandpaper. I used a home made jig setup to make sure all angles were square. Now, it's about as good as any trigger on any hunting rifle I've ever owned, including the old M70s and those with aftermarket triggers. The spring kit was $13. It may pick up more debris than the old M70, I don't know; but, it would be no more prone to do so than the custom triggers in many custom Mauser rifles. No one complains about those. In all, assuming the rifle proves to have good accuracy, I would say it's the best of them. That's my take.
 
Well, it ("G") is the prefix for the rifles made in the New Haven location before that iteration of Winchester ended manufacturing them. That was about 2006 IIRC. After about 2 years FN began manufacturing Model 70s with the Winchester name in South Carolina. The first few years the guns were made entirely there, then I think they have been assembled in Portugal but still manufactured in the US. I'm not sure of the ownership umbrella, but essentially the Browning products and Winchester are part of the same group. The rifles made by FN are different in a couple of respects. They have an enclosed trigger similar, but not identical, to the trigger in the Browning X Bolt rifles. That contrasts with the traditional Model 70 triggers, a long respected design, that persisted through the end of the New Haven era. They have once piece bottom metal, where earlier M70s always had separate trigger guards and floor plates. I noticed the FN rifles have a cone breech like the pre-64 rifles. They have also added a bolt guide of sorts behind the left recoil lug to make the operate a little more smoothly. The left side of the bolt shroud has a small flange that blocks any escaped gas a little better.

Personally, I have owned a number of Pre 64 70s and several New Haven guns, and now have my first FN made rifle. I have to say that the new rifle is the smoothest operating and best finished of the bunch. I haven't shot it yet but they are generally said to be as accurate as any M70s that have been made. The stock is better fitted to the barreled action than the New Haven guns, especially the later ones. I was not too enthused about the change in the trigger design. As a closed design, it might capture or retain debris more readily than the original. The pull was ok, but too heavy, and although adjustable for weight and over travel, it could not be reduced below about 4.5 pounds. I bought a spring kit for it, installed it, and very carefully polished the surfaces of the trigger parts with 1200 grit sandpaper. I used a home made jig setup to make sure all angles were square. Now, it's about as good as any trigger on any hunting rifle I've ever owned, including the old M70s and those with aftermarket triggers. The spring kit was $13. It may pick up more debris than the old M70, I don't know; but, it would be no more prone to do so than the custom triggers in many custom Mauser rifles. No one complains about those. In all, assuming the rifle proves to have good accuracy, I would say it's the best of them. That's my take.
So just wondering if I have the G is the gun more valuable?
 
I really don't know if the "G" guns are more valuable. They wouldn't be to me. I do like the Pre-64s, esp. those from the mid-50s and older, but have to admit that's at least partly nostalgia on my part. They are all good rifles, in my opinion. Of course, like any rifle that's been manufactures over many years, there are good and not-so-good examples.
 
Actually the G started about 68-69 as a compliance with new Federal laws mandating a letter prefix in the SN for easier ID of the maker. Been with us for many years.
 
Winchester has never made this particular rifle in anything but a New Haven gun. They have never made it in the newer FN guns. The only stainless model 70 rifle that FN has made was an Alaskan, which had a laminated wood stock.
 
All I can say is good luck buying this rifle. I have offered the asking price, FFL transfer and shipping costs to my FFL and he will not confirm the deal is done.

Here is another thing to think about before trying to jump into this deal...the seller was convinced and told me that this particular rifle was manufactured in...wait for it...1954!

Moving on now.
 
Too bad, fair price on a good rifle.
 
Made in 1954? Well could have fooled me. I had no idea Winchester was making all stainless guns that early. Here's an equally ridiculous claim on GunsInternational now (search item no. 101529120). $14,500! It's actually a recently made Winchester custom shop rifle. I think they made a small number of these in a couple of big bore calibers. It's a very nice rifle to be sure, but not at all what he claims it to be.

"First year production ( 1937 ) model 70 Winchester, custom factory engraved 375 H&H Magnum, unfired for sale
Description:
You won't see another one of these guys. This model 70 Winchester in caliber 375 H&H Magnum was manufactured in the Winchester custom shop per one of the Winchester VIP'S. The serial number (1772 ) indicates first year production of the model 70. The stock is exhibition grade French Walnut, beautiful hand checkering, the action, barrel and magazine floorplate are factory engraved
with beautiful bright bluing. The rear sight is a three leaf express sight and the front sight is a good looking hooded sight. The bolt and magazine follower are nicely jeweled. The barrel is the African weight 24 in barrel and the recoil pad is red factory Winchester. This is obviously a one of a kind firearm. Please see the pictures and call me with any questions.
Price: $14,500"
 
That kind of ignorance cannot go unrewarded. I sent him an email.....
 
Made in 1954? Well could have fooled me. I had no idea Winchester was making all stainless guns that early. Here's an equally ridiculous claim on GunsInternational now (search item no. 101529120). $14,500! It's actually a recently made Winchester custom shop rifle. I think they made a small number of these in a couple of big bore calibers. It's a very nice rifle to be sure, but not at all what he claims it to be.

"First year production ( 1937 ) model 70 Winchester, custom factory engraved 375 H&H Magnum, unfired for sale
Description:
You won't see another one of these guys. This model 70 Winchester in caliber 375 H&H Magnum was manufactured in the Winchester custom shop per one of the Winchester VIP'S. The serial number (1772 ) indicates first year production of the model 70. The stock is exhibition grade French Walnut, beautiful hand checkering, the action, barrel and magazine floorplate are factory engraved
with beautiful bright bluing. The rear sight is a three leaf express sight and the front sight is a good looking hooded sight. The bolt and magazine follower are nicely jeweled. The barrel is the African weight 24 in barrel and the recoil pad is red factory Winchester. This is obviously a one of a kind firearm. Please see the pictures and call me with any questions.
Price: $14,500"
To avoid confusion, I'll make explicit that I described the GunsInternational listing because it is another ridiculous assertion (and funny), but as far as I know, that seller has no connection to the listing here on AfricaHunting.
 
That GI listing is gone, it says "sold". LOL, not buying that one. Expect to see it pop up later with a new description.
 
I bet you're right about the GI listing. Can't imagine anyone with that much to spend on a rifle would be dumb enough to buy that one.
 

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