
- #Dating Winchester Rifles Serial Numbers Of#
- #Dating Winchester Rifles How To Determine The#
- #Dating Winchester Rifles Serial Numbers Of Type#


Production PeriodA receiver featuring a cloverleaf tang, a clip-loading slot, and a recessed and roll-marked rear bridge. In Winchester parlance, these three groupings of rifles are referred to as "Type I", "Type II" and "Type III" rifles. These groups are "pre-war" and "post-war", with a small number of rifles between these two groups referred to as "transition" rifles. 22 caliber rimfire rifle sold from.Pre-64 model 70s are commonly classified into one of three production groupings, framed around WWII.

Dating Winchester Rifles Serial Numbers Of Type
Dating Winchester Rifles Serial Numbers Of
However, these stamps indicate the year of barrel production only, and not the rifle. What records do exist leave some room for interpretation about the exact production date of any given pre-64 model 70.In the absence of factory records, it may seem logical to regard the date stamp under the chamber area of the barrel as a way to date a rifle (these stamps were present on the model 70 until 1956). It is common for older features to continue to appear until existing parts were depleted, resulting in some overlap of features.2 Clip loading slots were retained on National Match/Target Model/Bull Gun receivers in 30-06 only.3 From 1948 to 1949 the serial numbers of type II-2 and III-1 H&H magnum actions overlapped.4 The bridge of H&H length actions was not routinely D&T for scope mounting until late 1950, well into type III production.A final reference point which is important for you to know regarding your rifle is the production year.Most Winchester factory records for the model 70 have been lost or destroyed, which means there is less production information available for the model 70 than for most other Winchester rifles. Receiver bridge changed to smoothChanged to dogleg safety and bolt handle modified for safety clearanceReceiver tang change from cloverleaf to rounded / tapered with bridge drilled and tapped for a scope 4Receiver tang change from cloverleaf to rounded / taperedBolt release changed from notched to roundedRight side of bolt sleeve changed to rounded1 Serial numbers represent when the change was first introduced.
Dating Winchester Rifles How To Determine The
YearIn a future Campfire article, we will dig into the wide variety of model 70 rifles Winchester manufactured and will cover how to determine the Winchester catalog codes for each of your rifles. The list below is based on polishing room records, but adjusted based on other available information to provide a very close estimation of when any given rifle left the Winchester factory. As a result, the polishing room dates somewhat precede the date each rifle was completed and ready to leave the factory. However, polishing was just one step in production, and not the final step.
