A friend as asked me to help him identify the specifics on this rifle. With pics texted to me, it looks like he has a Winchester M-70 .264 Mag with a Mauser action. This is out of my area of expertise so pardon me if what i say is off bit. I'll try to get the serial number, but what other identify characteristics should I look for. It may be a 1950s gun or thereabouts. The gun has an old steel 1" Redfield 4X scope that wouldn't be worth much unless someone really wants vintage scope. The gun looks to be in good condition, given it's presumed age. I will appreciate your thoughts.
Determining age and value of rifle?
- Thread starter Sniper66
- Start date
Dave DeLaurant
Member
Put the photos up here and someone will be able to tell you what you want to know.
Howland937
Member
And don't sleep on that old Redfield scope. They routinely bring $150-ish depending on condition.
KristopheCraig
Member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2024
- Messages
- 25
Determining the features of the Winchester M-70 .264 Mag chambered with Mauser ammunition is an interesting challenge. Despite your lack of knowledge in this area, I can share some tips.
The serial number is one of the key elements of identification. The serial number can give you information about the age and history of the rifle.
Note any markings or writing on the barrel and receiver. They may indicate model, caliber, manufacturer and other characteristics.
The serial number is one of the key elements of identification. The serial number can give you information about the age and history of the rifle.
Note any markings or writing on the barrel and receiver. They may indicate model, caliber, manufacturer and other characteristics.
I'm eager to get my hands on this rifle. I live 300 miles from it and the owner may be further then that. We'll collide at the same location in May. In the meantime he had sent a few pics, which yielded all the clues I have thus far. One site on line says the actions in the M-70s are "similar" to Mauser, but are Winchester actions. Again I am woefully ignorant on such issues, so bear with me.
Thanks for that tip!
wanderinwalker
Member
What you're describing sounds like a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .264 Winchester Magnum. Quite possibly a "Westerner" model, in which case it should have a 26" barrel. Without pictures, or having the rifle in hand, that's about the best I can offer at the moment. Older Winchesters aren't something I have much more than a passable level of knowledge on.
Value? Could be any where, depending on the condition of the rifle and local market.
The only other thing I'll bring up is the .264 Winchester Magnum had a reputation as a barrel burner. If it's had much use, it's possible the accuracy might not be quite up to expectations.
Thats true.
The scope suggests big game hunter to me, which unless the dude was unusually prolific, shouldn't have trashed the barrel. Still definitely worth a quick check.
