Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this renowned and Highly Sought-After bolt-action rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight “Westerner”!
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The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Westerner in .264 Winchester Magnum is one of the rarest variations of the iconic rifle, with only 3,116 produced before 1964, according to The Rifleman’s Rifle. This makes it even scarcer than the standard Featherweight in .358 Winchester and far less common than the .270 W.C.F. variant. Manufactured in 1962, this particular example features classic Winchester markings, including the factory oval proof on the barrel and receiver, a hooded ramp front sight, an adjustable folding leaf rear sight, and a polished bolt numbered to the rifle. It also includes a hollow bolt handle knob, late-style safety, and sling swivels, all set in a high-comb, checkered walnut stock fitted with a vented Winchester recoil pad and distinctive black and white spacers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 70 Featherweight “Westerner”
Serial: 549796
Date of Manufacture: 1962
Caliber: 264 Win. Mag.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade on Ramped Base Front with Folding Leaf Rear and Drilled & Tapped Receiver For Scope Mounts
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Stock with Monte Carlo Comb
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum—often referred to as the “Westerner”—represents a pinnacle of American rifle craftsmanship during a golden age of bolt-action production. Manufactured between 1962 and 1963, this variant combined the sleek, lightweight Featherweight profile with the long-range performance of the .264 Win. Mag., a cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1959 to rival the flat-shooting capabilities of cartridges like the .270 Weatherby Magnum. The rifle featured a 22-inch featherweight contour barrel, a Monte Carlo-style walnut stock with checkering, and Winchester’s pre-64 controlled-round feed (CRF) action, which was renowned for its reliability in adverse conditions. With its sleek lines, well-balanced form, and high-velocity chambering, the Westerner was marketed toward big-game hunters in the wide open Western states, where long shots on mule deer, elk, and antelope were common.
Model: 70 Featherweight “Westerner”
Serial: 549796
Date of Manufacture: 1962
Caliber: 264 Win. Mag.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade on Ramped Base Front with Folding Leaf Rear and Drilled & Tapped Receiver For Scope Mounts
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Stock with Monte Carlo Comb
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight chambered in .264 Winchester Magnum—often referred to as the “Westerner”—represents a pinnacle of American rifle craftsmanship during a golden age of bolt-action production. Manufactured between 1962 and 1963, this variant combined the sleek, lightweight Featherweight profile with the long-range performance of the .264 Win. Mag., a cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1959 to rival the flat-shooting capabilities of cartridges like the .270 Weatherby Magnum. The rifle featured a 22-inch featherweight contour barrel, a Monte Carlo-style walnut stock with checkering, and Winchester’s pre-64 controlled-round feed (CRF) action, which was renowned for its reliability in adverse conditions. With its sleek lines, well-balanced form, and high-velocity chambering, the Westerner was marketed toward big-game hunters in the wide open Western states, where long shots on mule deer, elk, and antelope were common.
What sets the pre-64 Westerner apart—beyond its elegant design—is its unique place in both ballistics and collector history. The .264 Win. Mag. delivers high velocity and flat trajectories, especially when paired with 140-grain bullets, making it an ideal cartridge for long-range hunting. However, its popularity waned over time due to factors such as barrel erosion concerns and stiff competition from the more versatile .270 and .300 Winchester Magnum offerings. Despite this, the Westerner’s performance was—and remains—exceptional, particularly when loaded properly and shot through the premium rifling of the original Winchester barrels. As a pre-64 model, it also benefits from the superior machining, quality control, and aesthetic detailing that collectors prize, especially given the major design and cost-cutting changes Winchester introduced in 1964. Today, the pre-64 Featherweight Westerner is both a capable hunting rifle and a sought-after collector’s item, emblematic of the finest era of Winchester production.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
