I've determined this 70 was made in 1974 and that sounds right. I bought it new. It's fired maybe 2 boxes of ammo...nearly mint. I've been trying to determine its variant & value with no luck so far. Thought I'd give someone here a chance to help out. This one has the preferred 3-position (vs 2-position) safety w. 22" barrel. She's a beaut. Tried the gundigeststore download on Winchesters but did not see her in there...lots of variants on this rifle. I can always try the online download of the "Blue Book of Gun Values" but that's $34.95. Yikes! Been told by a Winchester firearms tel. rep. I could take it to Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops but we're looking @ a 100 mile trip to do that. Anyone with any ideas on this would be appreciated.
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Which Variation 1974 Winchester 70 30-06 & Its Value
- Thread starter MrBot
- Start date
That is a standard sporter, a brand new gun similar to it would cost $800-$900. On a used gun I usually would say somewhere between 50%-75% of the cost of new. That would be $400-$600.
Your gun has several good things going for it that would help push it toward the higher end. Lots of guys will pay a small premium for irons which are no longer put on most modern guns. And the fact that it looks like brand new.
Several things that hurt value. The 1970's guns were spotty on quality. Most are fine, but some guys would be reluctant to take a chance.
It is a pushfeed action. For most people they work fine, but an older pre 64 Controlled Round Feed rifle, or a newer rifle made after 1994 when they went back to CRF will certainly bring more money.
The stock, while in excellent shape was designed back when cars had tail fins. Most gun companies are now using a more "classic" looking stock instead of the modernistic look common in the 1960's and 70's.
I know $400-$600 is a wide range. If you find someone who really likes that gun I wouldn't be surprised if it sold for $600. But I don't think most would pay over $500. I wouldn't, knowing I could get a brand new CRF rifle for $800. Different guns bring more money in different parts of the country. I prefer Winchesters, but they are hard to sell in N Georgia and are usually dirt cheap when you find a used one for sale. I'd have a hard time selling that gun locally for $400. In other places they will bring more.
Your gun has several good things going for it that would help push it toward the higher end. Lots of guys will pay a small premium for irons which are no longer put on most modern guns. And the fact that it looks like brand new.
Several things that hurt value. The 1970's guns were spotty on quality. Most are fine, but some guys would be reluctant to take a chance.
It is a pushfeed action. For most people they work fine, but an older pre 64 Controlled Round Feed rifle, or a newer rifle made after 1994 when they went back to CRF will certainly bring more money.
The stock, while in excellent shape was designed back when cars had tail fins. Most gun companies are now using a more "classic" looking stock instead of the modernistic look common in the 1960's and 70's.
I know $400-$600 is a wide range. If you find someone who really likes that gun I wouldn't be surprised if it sold for $600. But I don't think most would pay over $500. I wouldn't, knowing I could get a brand new CRF rifle for $800. Different guns bring more money in different parts of the country. I prefer Winchesters, but they are hard to sell in N Georgia and are usually dirt cheap when you find a used one for sale. I'd have a hard time selling that gun locally for $400. In other places they will bring more.
Thanks jmr40. So does this one have the "pressed checkering" or the more desirable "machine-cut checkering?" It has a minor scratch in the clear coat that does not go below the clear coat on the right side of the butt stock that I think I may get out w. 0000 steel wool & automotive polishing compound. Gonna try to remove the clear coat from the two black caps (one on the fore stock & one on the pistol grip) & I'm thinking about just polishing these two pieces rather than reapplying clear coat...we'll see. Any ideas on all that?
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If you fool with the finishes, you'll most likely devalue the rifle - IF your intent after evaluating it is to sell it.
You didn't mention the chambering - some are worth more/less than others, depending upon commonality & desirability.
If you intend to keep it, then do whatever floats your boat - It's your rifle.
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If you fool with the finishes, you'll most likely devalue the rifle - IF your intent after evaluating it is to sell it.
You didn't mention the chambering - some are worth more/less than others, depending upon commonality & desirability.
If you intend to keep it, then do whatever floats your boat - It's your rifle.
.
Yep, I've heard that opinion expressed. There's only one scratch to speak of & it's not much. I've thought about leaving it alone...also thought about trying to bring it back...won't know what I'll do 'til I do it. The rifle is 30-06. Probably will never hunt with it as we can't use 'em here in Illinois so was planning on giving it a good home if the price was right.
Yepper, I tend to think it is "machine-cut" vs "pressed checkering"...might bring a few more $s on auction. This one hopefully is gonna go real soon...just tryin' to figure out the starting bid price & if I wanna fool with the finish. Not gettin' outta shootin', just gettin' rid of the ones I don't use & plan on actually gettin' more into the sport than ever before. Not a real big shooter, but sure would be nice to do some. Don't need this hi-power stuff & collectors but plan on gettin' a few guns I'll actually shoot...love them .22s for punchin' paper & a couple of bird guns for central Illinois. Maybe a couple handguns for home-defense & that'd 'bout do it.