Transition pre-64 WINCHESTER Mod.70 "Express" .375 H&H Mag.

WINCHESTER

Rifles

Category : C

Caliber : .375 H&H Magnum Rimless

 

A rare transition pre-64 WINCHESTER Mod.70 "Express" .375 H&H Magnum released from the New-Haven factory in 1947.

This rifle uses a very special action, consisting of a pre-war magnum receiver with undrilled antiglare lined rear bridge, a pinched tail and a transition bolt with abbreviated safety flag on milled shroud and solid bolt lever.

The 25", perfect bore, barrel is a mid-heavyweight chrome molybdenum steel tube, six-grooves rifled on 12" twist.

It's dated 1938 and carries the famous 70A "Rollover Express Sight" and, on a short ramp forged with the barrel, a Lyman n°37 front bead under sliding protector.

In addition to the REDFIELD n°70 diopter, the receiver is factory fitted with a rare GRIFFIN & HOWE mod.1932 double lever side mount, supporting a period LYMAN All-Weather "Alaskan" 2½x scope with post and crosshair reticle.

Note the care taken in fixing the G&H base that, in addition to the three usual screws, uses two conical pins ensuring perfect cohesion of the assembly.

All parts of the weapon are machined steel and retain much of the factory bluing.

The stock, without cheek piece, made of American walnut [juglans nigra] does not present any structural defect. The finish retains a preserved checkering and the L.O.P is 13½", measured on the solid 7/8" red rubber but pad monogrammed with the manufacturer's name.

We note on the right side of the butt two attribution numbers struck in the wood.

This rifle, which retains its original leather sling, has hunted in Africa while receiving careful maintenance.

Of course, it retains the scars of its adventures and given the rarity of this sample, we prefer to present it as it is rather than inflicting it a refurbishment that would take away all its character.

This .375 H&H Winchester "Express" represents the epitome of the Africa professional choice; allying the best features of the proven Mauser 98' controlled feeding system to the fluidity and balance of the modern American big game rifle.

With its five shots capacity, it's one of the best all around safari rifle.

The rifle alone weights 9lb-3oz while scoped it's 10lb-2oz.