*SOLD* 1959 Winchester Model 70 .338WM 25" *ULTRA DESIRABLE/RARE "ALASKAN" RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The Winchester Model 54 rifles were the first successful bolt-action sporting rifles manufactured by Winchester and were available from 1925 until the Model 70’s began appearing on dealers’ racks in 1937. The model 54 was really a form of sporterized Mauser and lacked refinements being sought by the bolt action-minded sportsmen. The Model 70 offered stronger action, more checkering, improved safety, and a much-improved trigger.

Of course, the Winchester Model 70 rifle needs little introduction. It is the most widely known bolt-action sporting rifle in the world. Since its appearance in the late 1930s, it has been the standard by which all other bolt-action rifles are judged. Seldom will you find an article written on another make and model bolt-action rifle without reference to the Winchester Model 70. The Winchester Pre ‘64 Model 70 is known colloquially as “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of hunting with one of these rifles knows they deserve their nickname. They were produced in 18 cataloged calibers as follows: .22 Hornet, .220 Swift, .243 Winchester, .250-3000 Savage, .257 Roberts, .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, 7X57MM, .300 Savage, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 H&H Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, 338 Winchester Magnum, .35 Remington, .358 Winchester, .375 H&H Magnum, and .458 Winchester Magnum.

The history of the .338 "Alaskan" model 70 is as unique as the chambering itself. Winchester developed the .338 WM cartridge in 1958, which was tailor-made for the Model 70. In mid-1959, Winchester introduced the .338 chambering for the Model 70 with a new and unique 25" barrel, announcing it to the world in a mid-year flier that designated the rifle an “Alaskan” model. Other than the new chambering and the 25" barrel, there was nothing unique about this new "Alaskan" model to distinguish it from any other Sporter rifle. When the 1960 catalog came out, the term "Alaskan" was also applied to the only other 25" barrel model 70 - the .375 H&H. Eventually, in 1963, the .300 WM chambering was introduced and also given the "Alaskan" designation, completing this unique subset of model 70 rifles. Students of the model 70 have debated for years exactly what the "Alaskan" designation means - whether it was tied to the unique barrel lengths (magnums at 24"-25") or for something else. One thing is certain: Winchester was looking to make money. The Alaskan designation came with a $10 price increase for the .375 in 1960 and a $10 higher pricing for the .338 WM and .300 WM, even though these rifles had no distinguishing features beyond the barrel length and chambering. Whatever Winchester's thinking at the time, it has created a uniquely sought-after group of rifles thar carry the special moniker "The Alaskans." Roger Rule covers this topic in additional detail on page 231 of his superb book "The Rifleman's Rifle: Winchester's Model 70, 1936-1963." The Pre-64 Winchesters are highly sought-after by collectors, making this an excellent addition to any Winchester collection!

Specifications

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 70 "Alaskan"

Serial: 454483

Date of Manufacture: 1959 (First Year Offered)

Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum

Finish: Blue

Barrel Length: 25"

Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade with Bead Front, Adjustable Folding Leaf Rear, and Mounted Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Scope

Stock/Grips: OriginalCheckered Walnut Monte Carlo Stock with the Factory Red "Winchester" Solid Rubber Recoil Pad

Action: Bolt

Markings: Standard

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