Winchester Pre-64 M70 Super Grade accurized by Hartmann & Weiss, 270 Win.
Description:
SOLD ** Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade .270 Win owned by Roger Rule
Regulated by Hartmann & Weiss and so engraved -- Excellent Plus Plus
Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade, .270 Win. 24” barrel. This rifle was manufactured in 1955, serial number 317013. This is not a custom model 70; this is an accurized original Super Grade: a “Pre-64 Super Grade on steroids.”
Sent to Hartmann & Weiss in Germany, arguably the best custom rifle maker in the world, H&W installed the leather covered recoil pad, the gold monogram oval, the high-end Rechnagel detachable scope system with a top-of-the line scope, implemented much internal work, then shot and regulated the rifle. Proud of the outcome of ½” MOA, the maker then engraved the barrel: “SHOT AND REGULATED BY HARTMANN & WEISS GUN AND RIFLE MAKER” including gold filling their name.
Their internal work included: glass bedding, installing a fully-adjustable Rechnagel trigger tuned to a light 2 lbs, action-screw sleeves in the stock for consistent assembly, indexing all screws, and polishing and honing the action.
The work was verified by G. Hartmann in an email to the last owner, Ronald Rudolacky, prompted by Kirby Hoyt of Vintage Doubles in Wenatchee Washington in order for him to undertake the consignment (letter included). The letter states that H&W claimed the work, but did not have anything to do with the production of the rifle. When you examine the work they did, I would say they had very much to do with the production of the rifle, at least after it passed Winchester ‘s final production inspection.
To attest more to their work, Hartmann & Weiss engraved the scope rings: the front ring is engraved “Winchester M70 (over the serial number) 317013” and the rear ring is engraved, “.270 WIN.” and also gold filled.
After H&W’s work was completed in 2005, they had the rifle proofed in Eckernforde Germany and the rifle now carries the German proof mark.
The stock is original Super Grade with the exception of the accessorizing work done by Hartmann & Weiss. As a Super Grade, it has the Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, a black forearm tip, a factory pistol grip cap, and hand checkering that is much more extensive than Winchesters Pre-64 Model 70 Standard Rifle. The SG checkering wraps over the wrist forming a diamond shape on the wrist, extends to the pistol grip cap, and wraps around the forearm forming a diamond shape of wood surrounding the SG 24” barrel’s hold-down screw. It is typical rich dark walnut with characteristic SG wood figure from that period. The floor plate carries the correct Super Grade inscription. The bolt and extractor are jeweled and the stock is fitted with the correct pair of two-screw hold-down sling swivel bases.
As a follower of both the Winchester Model 70 and of special guns with high-end work, I had learned years ago that Hartmann & Weiss was often, even usually, considered the finest rifle maker on the planet! So when I discovered this rifle existed, I was very intrigued. Then, learning it was also chambered in my favorite caliber, 270 Win, I would have climbed a mountain to get it.
When I received and examined the rifle, I was not disappointed. When we took it to the range and tried my favorite handloads of 130 grain Sierra boat-tail spitzers loaded over 55.5 grains of IMR 4350, I couldn’t believe its accuracy. A friend of mine with younger eyes who had shot for the U.S. Army Rifle team held the groups less than one inch at 200 yards. I had seen that quality of accuracy before only once, from another Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 early Standard Rilfe built, which was fine-tuned for me by the late Jim Dubell.
Today, at the age of 75 years, I am moving most of the pieces from my collection before my heirs have to deal them. Consequently, I am putting this terrific piece up for sale.
LOP is 14”, Weight 9 lb.3 oz. with scope system.
The rifle is fitted with a high-end German-made Zeiss Varipoint V 2.5-10x 50 scope with Number 60 reticle, a dot with three thin lines, in low-mounted Recknagel detachable scope rings, perfectly matched for comb height. The scope is a $2800 scope and the Recknagel rings are another $450 just for the ring system materials. Also included are Butler Creek flip up scope covers (not shown).
If you are not familiar with the Rechnagel detachable scope system, it is one of the best for its quick release and quick return without losing zero (of course H&W know that). The barrel is still wearing its original Winchester sights so the shooter retains the option of scope or iron sights.
Condition: All metal work is original Winchester, bore is perfect, blue is 99%, wood is 99% and checkering is 100% - – condition of the rifle would be described as Excellent Plus Plus.
Value: We have no idea as to the cost and added value that was created with Hartmann & Weiss accurizing and accessorizing this rifle; however the rifle was valued at $12,000 by a popular company as being from the Roger Rule Collection. Priced here to sell at $8,450.00, add $65 shipping. Reduced, $ 7,850.00
Seller is the author of The Rifleman’s Rifle (Winchester pre-64 Model 70s) and will furnish a Letter of Provenance that this gun is from his collection. Please check out author’s feedback on ebay under rcrwin70roger. 3-day non-firing inspection for full refund, shipping is $60 to buyer’s FFL, payment by MO or certified check or wire transfer.
SOLD