Pre 64′ Winchester M70 Target rifle with Lyman Scope….. (F 1226)
Created on July 20th 2025
Very interesting Model 70 Winchester Target Rifle
“So, why interesting ? It looks pretty plain and boring to me….!” For exactly that reason, it is rather plain, but that is how the Army or the Marines wanted them ! Standard beaver-type fore-end. Pistol grip and high comb to the butt. Flat steel butt-plate with fine checkering pattern. Heavy, free floating barrel with mildly recessed crown, factory bedded at the receiver end. Matt finish to the metal-work and a hollow bolt head. Multiple factory drillings for the application of different sighting systems with the correct number of blanking screws. The most noticeable thing about it, the long Lyman scope mounted on top of the rifle. This rifle is set up and can offer all the shooting disciplines wanted by the Army in places like Camp Perry, USA. Yet, it shows No military markings. However, if one reads into the subject extensively, not all of them did……
When’s it from then ? That is easy to ascertain, as Winchester were good enough to serialise all their rifles and that can be checked against records. It is clearly marked on the RHS of the receiver “375780” This number checks out as 1941. For a rifle of such an age it is in excellent condition externally with little sign of use in the bore. The last owner who, is to put it polietly, is somewhat advanced in years, has shot highly respectable scores with this very rifle. It very pleasing to find such a Model 70 on this side of the pond which although in the preferred caliber of .30-06, has not been butchered by over enthusiastic “refiners” over the years in some vain attempt to fall in with the most recent fad along the way. It has remained, unmolested.
These rifles are known to have been involved in trials even before the end of the Second World War. Some found their way out to the Pacific, both officially and unofficially. The Navy, for instance used them to detonate rogue mines floating around in shipping lanes. Some Marines (it is said) even smuggled them out to active service in preference to their Springfields. None of this, can we say, for sure, apply to this rifle, but, it is from exactly the same era. The Lyman Scope also falls into that catagory. It is a “SUPER TARGETSPOT” 20 x magnification with a serial number “22659” mounted with external gimbles and a recoil return spring still in place.
The rifle is heavy, there is no getting away from that, but it provides and excellent, stable shooting platform. The weapon itself measures 46.5/8″ in length. The round heavy barrel is 26″ long and the Pull length to the center of the serrated trigger is 13″. The bases are 6.1/4″ apart and are mounted on the barrel and the receiver ring. The scope measures 24.5/8″ in length, has steel end caps and external gimbles. There is a rubber shade over the eye-piece and range is adjustable with the front sun shade. The return spring allows the scope to return to its start position very smoothly after each shot. A guide rail mounted at top dead center doesnt allow the scope to move out of level. The reticule is a simple fine cross hair and the optics are very good; no faults spotted thus far. The barrel of the scope is marked; ” THE LYMAN GUNSIGHT CORP/ …” Over its address and patent numbers and serial number highlighted in white. The scope also comes with its pale timber wooden transit case, intructions and setting tools. The instruction book in itself is a superb collectors item and has a detailed full double page spread on this scope.
The rifle itself is built over the old reliable Mauser type action with a safety catch on the rear of the bolt. In the forward position it will allow the rifle to fire, pulled to the rear, is safe. The outer side wall of the action is marked with the WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. As mentioned earlier the bolt features a hollowed head which was an early feature which was later discontinued. Very comfortable trigger release. Easily opened magazine floor plate. Gas escape hole on the RHS of the reciever ring. The main reciever ring is drilled for the rearward mount (in this case.) The rear bridge of the same also has two other blanked drillings for an alternative mount. Additionally the LHS of the same is has two more drillings for other sight mountings. The forward block attached to the barrel is attached by three screws. It is worthwhile noting, that ALL of these drillings were performed in the factory at point of manufacture. This is no aftermarket set up – accuracy was essential from the start. One rear sling swivel on the underside of the butt stock and an adjustable 7 position mounting bar in the underside of the fore-end. Push down bolt release catch on rear LHS of action. Very good 4-grove RH twist bore, clean with lots of life left. Once again if you cant get a good score with this rifle its time to start looking at different hobbies…!
A fine collectible but a very usable classic rifle which blends between military and target and has a very interesting pedigree. A rare beast in the UK in unmolested form.
Stock No F 1226 – FAC required.
£ 3250.
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