Just got a very nice 223 Rem push feed Model 70. Serial # is G204xxxx. From what I've found on the internet so far G prefix Model 70s supposedly ended in 1992, have six or seven serial numbers and don't start with a 2 . Anyone have any knowledge of when this rifle was mfg.?

You have found some seriously wrong information.

Rifle was made in 1994

Thank you. Source?

Wrong. Winchester added the "G" prefix in 1969 to denote the anti-bind bolt feature incorporated into that iteration of post-'63 Model 70s. The "G" prefix continued right up until the end of New Haven production in 2006. BACO then changed the serial numbering convention to that of Browning firearms; i.e. 1234ZR5678 vice G12345678.

According to Rule, the G prefix was added as a result of a government requirement.

The following is a cut and paste, don't recall the source, but it agrees with the SNs on my M70s::

The last serial numbers listed in the Winchester DOM documents goes to 1992, and that is "G2037985". As you can see, that is a 7 digit serial #. The classics started with a 5 digit serial # in 1992. 6 digits were built from about 94-99, 7 digits were 2000-2006 etc. etc.... Now the new ones (BACO) started with 35AMP....(2008 models). You'd have to check with BACO to see what they were after 2009.


When Classic's started in '91 they started at G1 or G1000 somewhere around there. They continued their progression until beginning of 2003 when something big happened. Don't know what but one of the things that changed was Classic's went from around G380000 to seven digits overnight. Just so happens that is the exact same time quality fell off the ledge.

Pre '64's/'68's didn't have a G.

Five digit Classic's went till about late '94, six digits through 2002

I don't believe that's true. (For example, the Model 94 didn't acquire an alphanumeric serial number during the same period, nor did the 101 shotgun, though the Models 88 and 100 did.) The only "government requirement" for firearm serial numbers was the '68 GCA requiring serial numbers for firearms retailed here in the U.S. (Some manufacturers previously didn't have serial numbers.) Rule also states that this didn't begin until August 25, 1971 at serial number 1,028,977 (page 319) and it's fairly apparent that that's not true either.

From page 570 of Frank de Haas'/Wayne van Zwoll's "Bolt Action Rifles, 4th Edition:"

"Model 70 rifles with a serial number above 866,000, and with the letter G preceding the serial number, are the 1968 version with the anti-bind feature, black-chrome floorplate and stainless steel follower."

This part is simple, in 1964 push feeds continued the same Model 70 serial progression that started in 1936, add "G" in front in 1969. The gun control act of 1968 required a serial number, that also included at least one letter. When Classic's came out, there had been roughly 968,000 made through 1968 with no G, so Classic's started over at 1 with a G in front. In 2003 at about G380,000 Classic's joined the original 1936/push feed serial run, which was by then over 2,500,000.

Now, putting serial numbers with years after records were no longer kept, starting in 1992, can only come with 30 years of owning, buying, selling and studying the Model 70. Source? Me.

Win 70 pre 64's ended at serial 581xxx I forget the exact number. The push feeds started at 700,000. The G came about as a result of the Gun Control Act of 1968; all manufacturers were given a letter to be included in their serial number. The Classics are a serial number nightmare. I have seen 5 digit serial number Classics, i.e. GXXXXX. The G went away with New Haven.

All true, except, Classic's are no problem. They started at G1 in 1990, ended at G380000 in 2002 and merged into the original serial run at around G2500000 in 2003.

928,000 was the number at the end of 1968, before the G was added, that were available to use again WITH the G in front.

Not true.

Not true. The Winchester 94 and 101 didn't use letters in their serial numbering conventions nor did Ruger.

There may have been a Treasury Department directive to manufacturers regarding serial numbering with alphanumeric conventions or prefixed numbers (like Ruger), but there's nothing within the '68 GCA stating this.

"§ 478.92 How must licensed manufacturers and licensed importers identify firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity ammunition feeding devices?

(a) (1) Firearms. You, as a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of firearms, must legibly identify each firearm manufactured or imported as follows:

(i) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1⁄16 inch; and

(ii) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed. For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:

(A) The model, if such designation has been made;

(B) The caliber or gauge;

(C) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, the name of the foreign manufacturer;

(D) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer maintain your place of business; and

(E) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs regulations at 19 CFR part 134."

https://www.atf.gov/file/11241/download

Not the point of this thread, nor does it matter.

I could give a rats azz less about the gun control act of 1968 or exactly why Winchester added a G to their serial numbers for the Model 70 in 1969, but they did.

Apparently it mattered enough to you that you chose to reply on that point. Twice. And got butthurt.

UM.......... OK. What?

Don't get butthurt all over.

Winchester70,
Based upon your experience and knowledge do you have an estimate for the 5 and 6 digit G series classics from 1992 - 2000 as far as year of production and corresponding serial number range?
I have a pretty good idea but I bet your numbers are a lot more accurate...
Thanks!

Meanwhile, back to our conversation on your 223 REM serial number. The last recorded number was G2037000 at the end of 1992. I was originally off by a year, yours was made early 1993.

I also have a push feed 223, they are somewhat rare so hang on to that one and enjoy! Push feed or not, they are wonderful rifles.

Generally, the years posted above by southtexas are correct, 5 digit through sometime in 1994 and six digit through 2002. As far as specific numbers, I can pretty much put a year on them, but could always be off by the last months of the year before or firsts months the year after. That's the best that can be done, unfortunately.

Those are exactly what I was inquiring about - the approximate numbers by year. Would you mind sharing the range you use by year for 92 - 2002 production, understanding the caveat of last months/first months? Really appreciate it!

Thanks to all for the info. I've had several of the post 68 Winchester push feeds and crfs. All were good rifles except the last crf that I bought right before they left New Haven. The push feeds have been as accurate and dependable as their crfs or any other brand of rifle I've used. The "Sporter" model 223 I asked about here is as good a rifle for fit, finish, walnut and bluing as I've owned.

FWIW, according to Rule: The G prefix "was implemented in compliance with new Federal regulations requiring a letter-coded serial number as an expedient means to manufacturer identification".

But, while it is "the bible" on the Model 70, Rule's book is not without error. As an example he says the G prefiix occurred in 1971..

And as winchester70 says, it doesn't really matter at this point....you seem to be the only one all worked up about it.

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 - I think G382000 is the highest I've seen.

I believe G1 - G10000 were set aside in 1990 for custom shop only. 

Which is why he got butthurt. And now you are, too.

You seem to be an expert on hurt butts.

This is my understanding as well. I have a 4 digit Custom Shop Extreme Weather that was late New Haven production.

So, I bought 70 rifle blind for son... no mag fl0or plate; Ser No is G114xxx, do not know what I ended up with but seems fine,,,

Still, figured barrel was replaced, 'cause front sight bead faces muzzle,,,Price seemed avg fro 300670; bolt is jeweled...tell me kid will like...and year gun made...blind box mag...3006. Just saw thread....sorry am older dodger,,,,

This is an old thread. If it were a classic it was made in 1994 (serial # G114,xxx). Is it a classic or is it a pushfeed rifle? The serial # you indicate says it is a classic, but if it is 114xxxx, then it is a pushfeed made in 1973.

Yep. Confirm sn but G114xxx is going to be a crf.

Bob, can you post a pic?

And just so we don’t confuse the poster, that 1973 serial number would also be preceded by a “G”.

Yes sir. If not, it would be a pre 64.. We know that, but the poster may not.. I didn't include the G, as I thought that was a known: Already given by bobbill

Sounds like a model 670.

Would certainly explain the “no mag fl0or plate.”

I think bobbill also bought wabi’s old keyboard.

ha ha..

Twas a Christmas gift. Know nada. so asked,,,a am a dim softie re 70s!

Will try...BTW has Winchester New Haven in it...

How’s it labeled on left side of barrel?

Does it have a big claw extractor?

Cannot post pics...which reminds me why I sort of gave up this site...

FWIW rifle has G 1141668 ser, a 22 inch barrel, blind mag-no floor plate just stock, "Winchester" on one side of bbl, "30-06 Springfield New Haven," etc opposite it,high irons, no butt-pad. bead on front sight faces muzzle, fancy push feed bolt...BTW seems light-weight...

Knew was old thread, and keyboard fine, so BO sled, duh.

👍

Thanks. I messed up...G1141558 - no blank after G...did not notice.

Made in 74 probably a model 70A.

I have a Winchester model 70 chambered m 270 WSM with made in New Heaven & a serial number G242xxxx trying to find out when it was made value this was the first gun I ever bought myself when I was a kid and my first hunting rifle any info would be appreciated

Not sure of the exact year as maybe someone else can post it but the best I can tell the post 64 Win. Model 70 in 270WSM first came out new in 2002 in the "Classic Feather weight WSM" !
MFG. 2001-2006 Msr. was $792.00
Hope this Helps.

HS 58

The 270 WSM was introduced to the public in 2002 at the shot show. That means your rifle was made in the 2001-2006 time frame. Just like huntershooter58 said. Others here know more specifically based on the serial#. Hopefully it is not one with an oval chamber or off center d&t scope mount holes.

So, how about a Winchester Model 70 SA 7mm-08 CRF that has the serial number G927XXX? I don't see any references to a G serial number that high for a New Haven Model 70.

Something is not right there. Either you have an extra digit or the 9 isn’t a 9.

It's correct. I'm looking to buy Friday. I have photos of the rifle. What's up with this?

How do I share a photo? Not clear to me.

Can you post those photos? Or if you’d prefer not to or don’t know how to I sent you a PM.

I'm happy to post photos, but I can't see how. Does the PM go to [email protected]?

No sir. Do you know how to look at your private messages?

No, I do not. I don't see anything like that, but I'm probably overlooking the obvious. Thanks in advance for the help.

On the far upper right of your screen, there is an envelope. Click it. There will be a message.

Thanks very much to AKwolverine for pointing out the first digit I thought was a 9 was actually a 3. Now it makes sense. Thanks to everyone for the help!