This is .300 Win Mag "Alaskan" Sporter rifle in NRA excellent condition. It is marked with serial number 560095, indicating the receiver was manufactured in late 1962.
The original bluing is outstanding at 98%. There is very small worn spot near the muzzle, some wear on the bolt handle, a couple of very small nicks in the trigger guard, and some minor rub marks on the receiver. Please see photos.
The bore of the 24" barrel is in very good condition, rating an 8/10, with some light wear in the throat, no pitting, and a trace of copper fouling. Borescope verified.
The stock retains its original finish in excellent condition, including the factory original pad. It has a very few minor blemishes, but no notable dents, cracks, gouges, oil stains, or other defects.
All parts are correct for the year and chambering and appear original to the rifle. The bolt is factory marked with the serial number corresponding to the receiver. The receiver bedded to the stock; this work appears to be very well done. Additionally, the forend screw has been shortened as to not attached to the barrel anymore. This work was sometimes performed in the interest of improving accuracy.
The history of the "Alaskan" model 70 is as unique as the chambering itself. Winchester developed the .338 WM cartridge in 1958, being tailor-made for use in 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 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. The .300 WM was only chambered for one year before the model 70 underwent its substantial design changes for the post-1963 models. 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 $10 higher pricing for the .338 WM and .300 WM, even though there was no real distinguishing features to these rifles beyond the barrel length and chambering. Whatever Winchester's thinking at the time, it has created a uniquely sought after group of rifles which carry the special moniker "The Alaskans". Roger Rule covers this topic in some additional detail on page 231 of his superb book.
NOTE: This item can only be shipped directly to you if you are an FFL or C&R license holder. If this is not the case, the item must be shipped to an FFL holder near you who can complete the transfer. If needed, we are happy to assist you in locating an FFL holder near you who can assist in this way.
