Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Pre '64 Winchester Safari Grade?

Can anyone give me information and details on one of these made in 1952?There is a guy wanting to trade one for something I have.This one he's got ,is a very clean gun.I just have never seen a Safari Grade before and don't know what to pay attention to.As guns go in general,I would rate the condition of the wood and bluing at the least 85-90 percent.Any body have pictures of one,maybe?

Get a copy of Roger Rule's book THE RIFLEMAN'S RIFLE to see what you are being presented. Model 70s are a complex subject and there are a lot of fakes out there of rare models. Something as seemingly minor as an extra hole in the rear bridge can affect value a lot. Be informed and careful!

I'm certainly not an authority on pre '64s, but I have been buying and using them for almost 40yrs. I have never even heard of a "Safari Grade" pre '64 in any caliber. There were Super Grades which have a black forend tip and nicer checkering than the standard grades. Maybe this is what you're looking at?

"Let the Buyer Beware" certainly applies to "collector grade" pre64 M70's. I just thumbed thru Rule's book and could find no mention of "Safari Grade". It's not even listed in the index.

IIRC, Browning made a Safari grade rifle. Could there be a mix up? Here are some auctions, one of which is titled Winchester Safari grade 458:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=162388339

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=161878272

There was no Safari Grade for the Model 70. There was a Super Grade however. Maybe he's got it mixed up or its a phony baloney deal. Brownings' FN facility made a Safari Grade but that is a whole different animal.

"Safari Express" labeled Model 70's are a USRAC vintage item. As mentioned above, the only high grade (besides custom shop) M70's made by WRA was the Super Grade.

What's the serial number? XXX out the last 3 digits. Is there any engraving or name stamped on the floor plate? What does the BBl writing say? I have seen Pre 64 guns for sale with post 64 BBLs on them. There has been a 458 floating around on several of the auction sites. Many folks think that a newer Model 70 that is advertised as a Pre64 action is a pre 64. No so.

What is he asking for the gun and what caliber is it?

I'll get those numbers,it looks like a Super Grade to me.It has the ebony end cap,grip cap,cheek piece,like a Super Grade.It's a .30-06 he says was made in '52.I've not heard of a Safari Grade before.BTW,when did they start drill and tap at the factory?

Sounds like a regular pre 64 "Super Grade" to me in 30-06, therefore it will realistically bring about $1700 to $2000 in the 85 to 90% condition you describe, if it were a 375 or 458 it would fetch about $3500 or a bit more..Condition is very important with such guns..In mint, or even 95% condition the gun would be worth an easy $2400 to $2700..

However, Winchester pricing can vary a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the geographic market..A std. 375 Pre 64 might bring more in Idaho than it would in Texas but a .270 might bring more in Texas than it would in Idaho would be an example of sorts...I know it would at one time, but this can change from time to time, so you need to be up on your values. If you are not, then your probably always better off buying and selling, not trading, or just going through someone you trust that is up to date on values..All I'm saying is its really easy to get burned, even when your good at it..:)