Model 70 Super Express DOM - 09/25/23
I have a Model 70 Super Express in 375. Serial number is G 49XXX. My book shows post 64's starting with a 6 digit number. When was mine made? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Re: Model 70 Super Express DOM - 09/25/23
92/93
Re: Model 70 Super Express DOM - 09/25/23
Thank you fine Sir!
Re: Model 70 Super Express DOM - 09/25/23
Assuming yours a "Super Express Classic" CRF Model, your SN about a thousand beyond my .338 Super Grade Classic of 48xxx SN. No exact dates ever published, but prevailing educated guess would put ours of mfg in 1993. My other Model as yours, Super Express Classic CRF in 416 Remington, SN 113xxx of 1994.
The reintroduction of "Classic CRF" production came in 1991 in a special limited edition Super Grade, as introducing the low number block. Ironically, also without disclosure of general production to follow. That limited rifle was a pseudo-Super Grade as lacking the trademark black forend tip dating back to the Model 54 Super Grade era. Perhaps yet in '91, or more likely in '92, the general production CRF Classic series introduced.
The wider story of the bit confusing lower number "G" series prefix going back to 1968 as Winchester conforming to serial number criteria of the Federal Gun Control Act. Assigning a differing Alfa Prefix to each of its production models. The Model 70 took a G Prefix. For some reason, Winchester set aside a large block of lower G prefix numbers as unused. Skip forward to 1991 and USRA decision to use all those lower numbers beginning with the "Classic CRF Model 70 numbers. Thus, the confusing situation of lower G numbers chronologically following higher numbers.
The grand overview, that neither Olin Winchester nor US Repeating Arms stewardship of Winchester, contemplated collectors ever pinging seriously on serialization.
The saying "if you're not confused, you weren't paying attention!
Best!
John
Postscript: AK just caught up with your Post as question answered, after posting my wider blog!
The reintroduction of "Classic CRF" production came in 1991 in a special limited edition Super Grade, as introducing the low number block. Ironically, also without disclosure of general production to follow. That limited rifle was a pseudo-Super Grade as lacking the trademark black forend tip dating back to the Model 54 Super Grade era. Perhaps yet in '91, or more likely in '92, the general production CRF Classic series introduced.
The wider story of the bit confusing lower number "G" series prefix going back to 1968 as Winchester conforming to serial number criteria of the Federal Gun Control Act. Assigning a differing Alfa Prefix to each of its production models. The Model 70 took a G Prefix. For some reason, Winchester set aside a large block of lower G prefix numbers as unused. Skip forward to 1991 and USRA decision to use all those lower numbers beginning with the "Classic CRF Model 70 numbers. Thus, the confusing situation of lower G numbers chronologically following higher numbers.
The grand overview, that neither Olin Winchester nor US Repeating Arms stewardship of Winchester, contemplated collectors ever pinging seriously on serialization.
The saying "if you're not confused, you weren't paying attention!
Best!
John
Postscript: AK just caught up with your Post as question answered, after posting my wider blog!