I didn't see the auction listing or the rifle description, but from the photo you posted, that rifle appears to have had the stock refinished (wrong color) and the metal reblued (too black). That's fine - I don't mind a restored rifle, but it does dramatically reduce the value of a pre 64 model 70. If the auction rifle was near-mint and all original, then I'd say $2900 is a fair price. Maybe even a good price. However, if the rifle was refinished as I suspect, I'd say the buyer overpaid by $1000 or even $1500.
By contrast, your rifle - although used with perhaps a few more bumps and handling wear - it appears to be all original. For most model 70 enthusiasts, your rifle would be preferred and valued higher than a "restored" one.
I have no material interest in the auction gun pictured above, but as someone who has handled
hundreds of origional pre and post war Winchesters ,I am a bit amused by your claim that the stock and metal was refinished. All based on a distant side view pic.
What is exactly is "wrong" with the stock color? What makes you so sure that the metal was refinished?
I would like to hear some facts to back up your statement because looking at that pic- it looks every bit as legit as the OPs rifle.
