Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Model 70 Question

Perhaps one, or more, of you Model 70 users can help identify my rifle.

Seven digit s/n G20945xx
26" heavy bbl (.685 at muzzle) no sights
Barrel marking: --Winchester Model 70 SPORTER VARMINT 223 Rem--
Made in New Haven, Conn U.S.A. Winchester Proof Steel--
Bottom metal, steel
Stock fore end checkered similar to Pre 64 Super Grade. Straight comb with full fashioned cheek rest. Plastic grip cap.
Thin red Winchester recoil pad.
Weight (bathroom scales) 10.2 pounds.

Called Winchester....they could only identify the year of manufacture as 1993.

What say you??

Sounds like a "Sporter Varmint" model to me...

Yep - Sporter Varmint..

Hang onto it... Those are nice rifles..

Aah, come on guys. Surely you can be of serious help. Supposed to be a select run of 500 rifles in this configuration. I purchased the rifle in 1994/95 and shot it maybe 50 rounds. It has been in my safe since 1996, and I want get some verifiable information for insurance purposes as to what the rifle is worth in today's dollars.

I am being serious. I see why you think its different and special but based on your description, I don't think it has any special value. Manufacturers make small non cataloged runs quite often, including Winchester.
I think its worth 600-800 bucks. Since I typed that I looked and find there's one on gun broker right now for 799 and zero bids. It would fetch more if it was .22-250 and still more if it was .220 Swift, but that configuration in that caliber, while a very nice rifle, is worth about that much.

Without looking, I'm pretty sure the Sporter Varmint was cataloged in 223, and was not a "special run".

I used to trade in the 'Sporter Varmint ' They were what I called 'sleepers' Ive had 4 in .223 rem, I kept one that shot extra tight with 50 gr ammo , they are 1 in 12 twist forget the heavy 55 + ammo. I also had several in .308 all were great shooters as were the 22-250's and .243's.. Back when I started they were 450 -500 $ rifles. they trade in they 600-700 dollar range I would be a buyer there . I had my barrel cut to 23" with an 11 deg target crown and a syn stock to use as a 'truck gun' . a lot handier. the very best winpoor

Win70, I believe you. Whether it was or wasn't, its not material, in my own view.
Its a nice rifle, no question about it. WinPoor, I believe you too.