I was looking around over at zanders sporting goods website and discovered that they have posted the new for 2012 Winchester models to their catalog. All you need to do to view these items is go to gzanders.com and click on "consumer catalog." You will then see a list on the left side of the screen. Click on "rifles" and then "winchester bolt CF rifles". All of the items with a red star are new.

The rifle is described as blued/ walnut with monte carlo stock, open sights and a 25" barrel. The MSRP is $1269.99, more than the sporter but less than the super grade. There is no picture posted yet. I googled Model 70 Alaskan and found that Winchester cataloged such a model in the pre-64' days. I really hope that this rifle will have the pre-64 barrel profile that includes the saddle where the rear sight sits, just like the Cabela's 50th anniversary model. It is encouraging to see a factory rifle coming with open sights again. The three caliber choices are .30-06, .300 and .338.

Does anyone have access to an advance copy of the 2012 catalog, and if so could you shed some light on this model? I am really looking foward to seeing it, as it may be the most classic looking model 70 yet, that is if winchester does it right.

As a side note, there are sporter and featherweight models listed in .264 winchester mag. with a red star beside them. Also a super grade 75th anniversary model with super fancy wood and engraving.

Thanks for the info; I looked at the site. One of the chamberings in the Alaskan is .30-06, with a 25-inch barrel. Interesting.

I might be willing to pony up for one in 338.

I just want to see a picture of the rifle as I am curious about the stock shape and the barrel profile. I really hope that Winchester went the classic route, as I think that would sell really well. We already have enough modern looking bolt actions on the market. Heck, I would buy one of the Cabela's 50th anniversary sporters if it weren't for that god awful gold floorplate.

Yeah, I want to see some pictures of these. I'm suprised no new stainless 375 H&H, though.

It'd be mighty easy to replace a floorplate.

Perhaps this has something to do with Winchester making an "Alaskan" Mod 70

Jason, you have brought up a riddle. Why all the excitement to buy something never seen before? And why a commemorative, at all, unless it is to be kept new, as an investment?

But for a couple revolvers, all the guns I've ever bought were pre-owned, coming to me mostly from gun shops and shows, auctions and private trades, and with the searching being an important component in the enjoyment of that purchase. I always shunned commemorative's or anything w/ medallions or flashy inlays as being overly decorated (though some small bit of engraving is OK).

So why new?

Pal, I see your point. Ive never been one to buy used guns. As a matter of fact, I dont really buy anything used. I like to be the one to put the first scratch or nick in the stock, as every single nick and scratch has a story behind it. The only used guns that I own were handed down to me by my grandfather. The point I was trying to make is this, Winchester is trying awfully hard to reintroduce many of their classic lever action rifles. And for the most part, they look pretty much like the originals did (that is if you overlook the safety). I really dont see why they cant do the same with some of their classic bolt guns. Is it really that hard to believe that someone wants to buy a "new" classic gun? I would much rather do that, than lay out the cash for a new in box pre-64 rifle. Anyways, variety is the spice of life, and as long as folks are exercising their 2nd amendment rights, I dont care whether they buy new or used.

I'm thinking a .375 would be a better "Alaskan" though a .338 is not bad...

Or a 375 Ruger chambering

That would go over like a Fart in Church at Winchester!!

Nah...

It needs to be a 338 WINCHESTER Magnum Alaskan. After all, the 338 Win was developed for Alaska.

Yep, I concur.

Plus, putting a .375" hole in a barrel with sporter contour (.600" muzzle diameter) leaves only about .112" barrel wall thickness. Too thin, methinks.

My term would be disappointed to see no new stainless 375 H&H.

the Alaskan is nice, but i got more excited when i noticed the Sporter will be available in .264 Win Mag!

I'll have to have one of those if it has a 26" tube.

I want one of those pretty badly. The price of NH SS .375 is pretty crazy.

Ask jim62, he'll know the answer for sure. He is quite knowledgeable about barrel thickness.

Because it's new. Why question someone else's free choice of what to buy? Just because it's your way doesn't make it the right way or the only way--just your way.

I think they have moved on since 2011...lol