Want To Buy Winchester Model 70 Pre 64 in 375 H&H

[Flanders357]

Looking to purchase a good pre 64 model 70. Preferably, the African/Safari version, production beginning in 1956 as they moved the front sling stud to the barrel and i like the rear sight on these. Would like the Control Round Feed and Extractor. Not sure the value of these currently and if they are in my budget or not. Thank you in advance!

 

[Rifleman97]

I don’t have one for you but the going rate is around 3000-5000 depending on condition and if it was a commemorative version etc. You can typically find a nice enough one for most peoples standards for around 3300-3800.

The website pre64win.com usually has one of darned near every chambering in stock

 

[Flanders357]

I don’t have one for you but the going rate is around 3000-5000 depending on condition and if it was a commemorative version etc. You can typically find a nice enough one for most peoples standards for around 3300-3800.

The website pre64win.com usually has one of darned near every chambering in stock

Thank you for the info!

 

[bobdahunter84]

I collect pre 64 Model 70s. Bought 4 more at the big show in Tulsa last weekend. So Im pretty in tune with pricing. Are you hell bent on an "untouched" all original gun in very good shape? If so, the prior posters $3k to $5k is not off base.

If you have flexibility in terms of common tweaks people made--added butt pad, drilled receiver for side mount, etc. I think you could find one for $1750-$2500. Here is an example of one of those: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1126141530

A 375 is generally in a similar category as a 458 win, as a more lightly used gun and generally in better condition for the pre 64 70's. If you find the smaller calibers (22 hornet, 220 swift, 257 roberts, 270 wcf)-- they tend to be more beat to hell. Those weren't acquired as collector pieces back in the day. They were taken out and hunted with...

 

[Flanders357]

I collect pre 64 Model 70s. Bought 4 more at the big show in Tulsa last weekend. So Im pretty in tune with pricing. Are you hell bent on an "untouched" all original gun in very good shape? If so, the prior posters $3k to $5k is not off base.

If you have flexibility in terms of common tweaks people made--added butt pad, drilled receiver for side mount, etc. I think you could find one for $1750-$2500. Here is an example of one of those: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1126141530

A 375 is generally in a similar category as a 458 win, as a more lightly used gun and generally in better condition for the pre 64 70's. If you find the smaller calibers (22 hornet, 220 swift, 257 roberts, 270 wcf)-- they tend to be more beat to hell. Those weren't acquired as collector pieces back in the day. They were taken out and hunted with...

Yes I have some pre 64s in a 243, 257 rob, and 264…all shooters and still hunt with them.
The 375 is a new animal to me though. My buddy has a pre 64 he would sell me for $2500, also a shooter, but it’s just a standard model. I may do that but I was hoping to find a safari version with the front sling on the barrel and I like the rear sight that began in the 1956 models. I don’t mind “shooter” rifles that have had butt pads added. I have a little time as I’m not headed to Africa until early 2027. Hoping to get it setup with EAW pivot mounts

If you have any 375’s your looking to offload let me know!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

You’re not going to find a Pre64 M70 in 375H&H with an original barrel band sling stud and African rear sight but good luck on your search ….

The “Safari” model you’re referring to is the African Super Grade that was released in 1956. Unfortunately for you the 1200ish that were made were chambered in 458 Win Mag not 375H&H.

 

[bobdahunter84]

Mtn_infantry beat me to the comment. To his point, there is no such thing as a "pre 64 safari" model in 375 h&h.

The "african" you describe with front sling swivel mounted to barrel and new rear sight is only offered in 458 Win Super Grade. I have one. The past few years the pricing on them seem to hover between $6k - $7k.

The only sub-model of a 375 h&h was called the "Alaskan". They started using that label in 1959 when they introduced the 338 Win Mag. However, nothing about the 375 h&h changed with the name Alaskan. It was identical to the standard grade rifle from the year prior.

 

[Flanders357]

Mtn_infantry beat me to the comment. To his point, there is no such thing as a "pre 64 safari" model in 375 h&h.

The "african" you describe with front sling swivel mounted to barrel and new rear sight is only offered in 458 Win Super Grade. I have one. The past few years the pricing on them seem to hover between $6k - $7k.

The only sub-model of a 375 h&h was called the "Alaskan". They started using that label in 1959 when they introduced the 338 Win Mag. However, nothing about the 375 h&h changed with the name Alaskan. It was identical to the standard grade rifle from the year prior.

Thank you, fellas! That's exactly what I was wondering, and I knew I could get the information I needed here. I suppose I’ll have to accept the front swivel on the stock if I want a pre-64 model, or I could look for a post-64 safari model in .375. 1990s safari or early 2000s possibly

 

[HunterX]

You could always have a semi custom made with a pre 64 action, new barrel with express sights and wood of your choice, in a safari style stock. You just have to look for a place that does Winchester and CZ upgrades.

 

[Flanders357]

You could always have a semi custom made with a pre 64 action, new barrel with express sights and wood of your choice, in a safari style stock. You just have to look for a place that does Winchester and CZ upgrades.

Thats true, probly need to find a good gunsmith anyhow that knows about how to properly mount the EAW bases and rings.

 

[RSL]

That would be Scope Mounts | New England Custom Gun Service, Ltd. https://share.google/mWzhCcCx8yVeIdrqh

 

[Flanders357]

That would be Scope Mounts | New England Custom Gun Service, Ltd. https://share.google/mWzhCcCx8yVeIdrqh

Yes, I have already reached out to them. I will probably end up sending whatever rifle I purchase to them for the installation of the EAW mounts, possibly a barrel band, and a rear sight. I'm considering the Wisner 458RS, but I'm not sure if it will work with the .375 H&H contours. If it doesn't, I'll go with an NECG two-leaf express sight or something similar.

 

[WC86]

do you handload?

If so, I have an early 1950’s m70 super grade in 375 weatherby that you could PM me about. It was originally a 375h&h that got reamed to 375wby thereafter. It doesn’t have a barrel band swivel and I suspect is too early to have the sight you are mentioning but it has the flush mount (so called “European” or “oval”) sling swivels unique to the super grade and concern me less than typical swivels on harder recoiling guns. Assuming the concern is contact with a hand due to recoil

Although, I’ll admit I’ve never had my hand slide into a swivel due to recoil nor would I expect it with a cartridge in this power band

If you don’t handload, it’s probably not for you. 375wby loaded ammo is only available in seasonal runs. If you handload, brass is available (moreso than a lot of calibers we shoot, at least) from weatherby and norma and I have virgin brass in this caliber

PM me if interested

I went a bit medium bore crazy in 2018-2022 and, with therapy and medication, I’ve been trying to right-size the armory

 

[Flanders357]

do you handload?

If so, I have an early 1950’s m70 super grade in 375 weatherby that you could PM me about. It was originally a 375h&h that got reamed to 375wby thereafter. It doesn’t have a barrel band swivel and I suspect is too early to have the sight you are mentioning but it has the flush mount (so called “European” or “oval”) sling swivels unique to the super grade and concern me less than typical swivels on harder recoiling guns. Assuming the concern is contact with a hand due to recoil

Although, I’ll admit I’ve never had my hand slide into a swivel due to recoil nor would I expect it with a cartridge in this power band

If you don’t handload, it’s probably not for you. 375wby loaded ammo is only available in seasonal runs. If you handload, brass is available (moreso than a lot of calibers we shoot, at least) from weatherby and normal and I have virgin brass in this caliber

PM me if interested

I went a bit medium bore crazy in 2018-2022 and, with therapy and medication, I’ve been trying to right-size the armory

My buddies and I handload, so it's a possibility. I think right now I'm still pretty set on a .375 H&H, but I'll let you know if that changes. I appreciate you reaching out!

 

[rookhawk]

Winchester collectors are an odd lot, obsessed with untouched by human hands, never fired, mint in cardboard box, etc. ANY fondling of a Pre-64 Model 70 diminishes value. I would imagine a truly mint in box, never opened nor handled 375HH would fetch $10,000 or more.

I like the opposite extreme.

Look at "Ruined" pre64 375HHs. Ruined as far as collector value would include stripped and refinished stocks, often way finer than original quality. It would also involve a Griffin & Howe side mount, a wonderful Quick Detach scope arrangement that destroys their value.

You can find a very beautiful, "Improved but now ruined for collectors" Pre64 375HH in the $1800-$2500. You will not find a higher quality, more field ready African bolt action rifle at that pricepoint.

 

[HunterX]

And cruise guns international regularly. I just bought a pre 64 in 30-06 for $590 shipped. It will become a donor for an incredible custom build. Exhibition Turkish walnut, integral barrel with quarter rib sights, barrel band and case coloring. 1920’s style American style engraving. You can find them, you just have to keep an eye out, and set alerts to go to your email.

 

[rookhawk]

My buddies and I handload, so it's a possibility. I think right now I'm still pretty set on a .375 H&H, but I'll let you know if that changes. I appreciate you reaching out!

FYI, a 375Weatherby can shoot 375HH ammo.

 

[thoma018]

@bobdahunter84, so what is your synopsis of the 375 H&H you posted a link to....It website sates it is of 1952 manufacture. Is this considered a "particular" model ? Alaskan term began in 1959; was this a "big" or "dangerous game " model, a "safari" or any other particular model. The buttpad looks black, was it red on the original model of that year ? The rear sight looks "small and lacking"--is this original ?
Should the front sight be hooded ? would the receiver be factory drilled and taped ? Could this possibly be a rebarrel based on length and taper of the barrel ?
Sorry for a lot of questions but there are a lot of unknowns. Finally, what would be a fair price for that particular rifle ?
Thanks

 

[WC86]

FYI, a 375Weatherby can shoot 375HH ammo.

Indeed. Part of why I was ok with it initially

My original thinking was that I’d have a little more velocity with 350gr bullets with a really high SD but otherwise could load to lower pressures than h&h with the same velocity and could shoot H&H ammo in an tough spot

I now recognize that there probably isn’t a need for 350 grain bullets in 375 caliber or any of those other things

Live and learn

 

[rookhawk]

Indeed. Part of why I was ok with it initially

My original thinking was that I’d have a little more velocity with 350gr bullets with a really high SD but otherwise could load to lower pressures than h&h with the same velocity and could shoot H&H ammo in an tough spot

I now recognize that there probably isn’t a need for 350 grain bullets in 375 caliber or any of those other things

Live and learn

A 350gr bullet out of a 375 Weatherby is basically a 404Jeff. It really improves its potency on buffalo.