Any Winchester Model 70 Collectors out here?

[vafish]

I'm trying to help a friend figure out the value of a rifle that used to belong to her father.

Winchester model 70, Pre 64, in .220 Swift, it's got a Douglas barrel on it, looks to be factory, not custom. Almost perfect condition, Has a Bushnell Scope Chief fixed 10x scope on it. I has had the stock replaced with a custom one.

[MakeMineA10mm]

I'm not what you might call an expert on Winchester 70s, but I have studied them awfully hard and like them a LOT.

From what my understanding of the pre-64 220 Swifts: The really early ones had stainless barrels and blued actions, and all of the parts were made by Winchester. I know of no Winchester 70s that came with Douglas barrels from the factory.

My best guess is that this is a customized gun. Probably originally came as a 220 Swift, and after the barrel got shot-out (a common occurance with that caliber back in the 50s and 60s), a previous owner had the barrel and stock replaced, so he could keep on shooting those hot 22 loads.

Sounds like a neat rifle, but more of a "using" gun, rather than a "collectors" item.

[vafish]

Barrel looks factory, has the lump for the rear sight with a slug in it.

[MakeMineA10mm]

What makes you think it is a Douglas then?

I suppose it's conceivable that Winchester contracted with Douglas for the barrels, but that would be quite unusual for them back then, because they had their own barrel-making facilities...

If it is a factory barrel, with the hump for the rear sight, it would be worth more, and more in the realm of collector's piece. But, I'm also wondering why a 220 Swift would have had iron sights...?

This one is just odd enough that you may want to take it to a firearms auction house to get an appraisal/evaluation. OR, you could see if there's a Glock Talk for Winchester enthusiasts...

[vafish]

Originally posted by MakeMineA10mm
What makes you think it is a Douglas then?

I suppose it's conceivable that Winchester contracted with Douglas for the barrels, but that would be quite unusual for them back then, because they had their own barrel-making facilities...

If it is a factory barrel, with the hump for the rear sight, it would be worth more, and more in the realm of collector's piece. But, I'm also wondering why a 220 Swift would have had iron sights...?

This one is just odd enough that you may want to take it to a firearms auction house to get an appraisal/evaluation. OR, you could see if there's a Glock Talk for Winchester enthusiasts...

Well is says EB Douglas on the barrel, so that's why I think it's a Doglas barrel.

It has the factory profile with the hump for the rear sight, the hump has a dovetail cut in it that has been filled with a slug.

It sounds like I need a professional appraisal.

Thanks

[MakeMineA10mm]

Originally posted by vafish
Well is says EB Douglas on the barrel, so that's why I think it's a Doglas barrel.

It has the factory profile with the hump for the rear sight, the hump has a dovetail cut in it that has been filled with a slug.

It sounds like I need a professional appraisal.

Thanks

Definitely! Get that thing to someone who really knows Winchesters. That may indeed be something rare or special. Let me know what you find out, would you? (You got my curiosity streak running!)