Winchester ~ Model 70 (Pre '64) ~ .300 Winchester Magnum

Exceptional High Condition Winchester Model 70 chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. Winchester Model 70 chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, serial number 493910, built on a pre-1964 action. The serial number falls within Winchester's published 1960 range; the date of final assembly in its present configuration is undocumented. The bore presents a bright lustere with sharp rifling. Mechanically crisp and sound. The finish shows handling marks consistent with regular, honest use. Accompanying the rifle is a letter dated September 1, 2009, from professional hunter John Kingsley-Heath, specifically referencing serial number 493910. Kingsley-Heath believed the rifle had been assembled through Griffin & Howe for use as a hire rifle by Safari South Pty Ltd in Maun, Botswana. He recalled that the company and its hire rifles were subsequently sold to buyers from Houston in 1978, who arranged for disposal of the firearms through Hunter Bradley. Kingsley-Heath suggested that the stock was custom made to fit the pre-1964 action. Addressing an apparent ownership association, he explained that the stock's oval may have been transferred from another firearm. He had no record of personally owning this rifle, although he stated that he may have fired it. The contents of the letter are as follows OHN KINGSLEY-HEATH SAFARIS TEL: 01872 530201FAX: 01872 530489 FERDER TREGONY TRURO CORNWALL TR2 5TP 1st September 2009. Dear Mr. Erskine, Winchester (pre '64) No. 493910 - .300 Weatherby Magnum (sic) I believe this gun was a "hire" gun for Safari South Pty Ltd in Maun, Botswana, and was put together by my long term friend Richard Alger [surname uncertain] (dec'd 1999) via G + H (J. REALMUTO died 1997). It was brought to Botswana and used for some years before the Coy was sold with all the hire guns to people from Houston 1978, who asked Mr. E. Spencer of Hunter Bradley to dispose of the guns. The "oval" was probably taken off a gun they wished to keep + put on the gun! I have no record of it actually belonging to me but I may well have shot it. See my book Page 325. From what you say in your letter the stock sounds custom made to fit the 'pre '64' action. Sorry I cannot help more Best wishes. Yours,John K-H.