I've been obsessing over left hand Model 70s for the last couple years, and as a result, I've ended up with 3 of them. I have a fairly general idea of when two of them were made, but the third I could use a hand with. The two I roughly can guess are:
1) 300WSM Sporter Serial #G3001xxx Late 2005/early 2006 (?)
2) 270WSM Sporter Serial #G3000xxx Same timeframe as above I'm guessing
Now, the 3rd, my favorite, is my 30.06, and it's serial # is G174xxx. I know it must be mid to late 90s, but beyond that I haven't a clue. It's the only one of the three that actually says "Classic Sporter" on the barrel.
Can anyone either confirm or correct my suspicions on the first two, and would anyone have any info on the 30.06?
Here is a rough estimate poster Winchester70 put up for 5 and 6 digits a while back. It will get you pretty close ... the above info certainly more specific. 1992, G10000 - G40000 1993, G40000 - G75000 1994, G75000 - G120000 1995, G120000 - G155000 1996, G155000 - G200000 1997, G200000 - G250000 1998, G250000 - G290000 1999, G290000 - G320000 2000, G320000 - G345000 2001, G345000 - G365000 2002, G365000 -
Here is a rough estimate poster Winchester70 put up for 5 and 6 digits a while back. It will get you pretty close ... the above info certainly more specific. 1992, G10000 - G40000 1993, G40000 - G75000 1994, G75000 - G120000 1995, G120000 - G155000 1996, G155000 - G200000 1997, G200000 - G250000 1998, G250000 - G290000 1999, G290000 - G320000 2000, G320000 - G345000 2001, G345000 - G365000 2002, G365000 -
Thanks for this chart AK. Trying to navigate Winchester's serial numbers takes some getting used to I can see. Got the guns so that is the main thing (haha)!
Well, I don't know when Winchester introduced left handed M-70's, but I can say with certainty that I had a .338WM with S/N G172025 which was/is a left hand M-70. I located this rifle in late '96, and had it converted to .458WM. Pulled the .338 barrel, and installed a 24" Krieger barrel. Work done by Gene Simillion. At the time of conversion, I asked my friend, the P/H if he wanted a Lott barrel? He said NO. He's still using the rifle, and has never regretted his decision to go with the .458WM.
Well, I don't know when Winchester introduced left handed M-70's
Already stated. So close, and yet so far away. They were introduced at the SHOT Show in late January 1997, so, no, there was no "I located this rifle in late '96." Show a receipt otherwise. Stainless left-handed Model 70s were offered in 1997 only.
Originally Posted by TSIBINDI
At the time of conversion, I asked my friend, the P/H if he wanted a Lott barrel? He said NO. He's still using the rifle, and has never regretted his decision to go with the .458WM.
And this is relevant to the discussion in what way? No one cares.
My earliest lh M70 is serial number G173xxx, and I bought it new in 12/96, paying $440. So I think they were on the street earlier than the Shot Show in 97.
My stainless M70 is serial number G179xxx. I bought it used so don't know its manufacturing date. But AKwolverine's table says that 1997 approximately starts with G200000. So it is hard to know for sure.
My earliest lh M70 is serial number G173xxx, and I bought it new in 12/96, paying $440. So I think they were on the street earlier than the Shot Show in 97.
My stainless M70 is serial number G179xxx. I bought it used so don't know its manufacturing date. But AKwolverine's table says that 1997 approximately starts with G200000. So it is hard to know for sure.
Any weirdo can claim anything on the internet. Like you and Spaceship Grandpa who decided to go off on some tangent about the .458 Winchester Magnum. Until you can produce a valid receipt or 4473, you'll just remain some anonymous fart in the wind. When a receiver is manufactured and when a gun is assembled and shipped are very different things. That might be hard for you to understand since you already seem to know everything, but that's reality.