I have a model 70 in 458 win mag. It has a left hand action. Serial number indicates that it was made in 1956. Having challenges finding info on how many of this variant may have been produced. Any help or reference to a resource would be appreciated. Thanks.

There's an Expert on the WACA Forum site by the Name of Louis Luttrell!

That's who I'd ask, and or go to!

As a Guest you can Post the Question and it'll be the Most Correct, if you don't find it here!

I joined the WACA yesterday and hope to find it interesting and helpful.

I don’t believe there were any factory left handed actions produced - all that I have ever seen were 3rd party conversions.

Edit - assuming true Pre 64.

If there is a "G" in front of the serial number, it's a CRF, probably from the 90s. Early CRFs had low (in the range of pre 64s) numbers with the "G" prefix. It can be confusing.

Plus 1 re comments of Hunter...., AK.... and Mr. C.!!!
Lou Luttrell, is the expert's expert without doubt on all Model 70 rifles "PRE '64. As he is quick to point out, not necessarily so regarding post '63 Models at all.

Mikey, two likely possibilities. Either: A. You're working with an erroneous serial number as above suggested in context of common error... . Or... B. You're dealing with a pre '64 Model 70, but erroneously classifying as "factory" what amounts to an aftermarket conversion.

I'd sure like to see that rifle! Please keep us informed!
Best
John

Would post some photos, but still trying to figure out how to make file small enough to post.

Use IMGUR

There were no left hand pre64 M70’s.

It could be a conversion like Mart said in his other thread. OP not giving any useful info though. Also, anyone that needs to post pics, needs to get an imgur account. Its free and easy to use.

This. OP, Is there a "G" prefix on the serial No. and what is the serial range? G123xxx as an example.

Is the floor plate stamped Super Express or Safari Express? I have never seen a Left hand G series M70 Classic in .458 Win and a quick reference to Winchester catalogs I have on hand from the late 90's does show that configuration being cataloged. Left Hand .375 H&H was common and I have seen one left hand G series classic in .416 Remington in the flesh.

Does the barrel have a custom shop stamp on it? That would appear as - Classic Custom Safari - or - Classic Custom African -.

The floorplate is stamped super grade and the 6 digit serial number begins with a 3. No "G"

Huh be curious to see this “lefty” sounds like a conversion

G prefix S/N’s did not appear until 1969.

Interesting. Would like to see some photos of that.

does it eject out the right or left side?

In the mid to late '80's I examined a left hand pre '64 M-70.458WM. I was attending the Colorado Gun Collector Show, and this rifle was among a group of pre '64 M-70s on the table registered to Mr.John Vaninetti. I spoke at length with Mr Vaninetti regarding the left hand version of the .458WM. He informed me the rifle had been professionally converted. I'm reasonably certain Mr. Vaninetti mentioned who had done the conversion, but I'm sorry to say, I don't remember who it was.

The rifle (as I recall) appeared as tho it was a legitimate left hand rifle. Viz: Bolt, safety, and ejection port positioned on the left side. The stock was not converted to left hand, as the cheek piece was for a right hand shooter.

I wonder if the above mentioned rifle is one, and the same???