This is .338 Win Mag "Alaskan" Sporter rifle in NRA very good to excellent condition. It is marked with serial number 519063, indicating a 1961 manufacture date.
The original bluing is outstanding at 95%. There is only slight edge wear on the muzzle and bottom metal.
The bore of the 25" barrel is in very good condition, with slight throat wear, a few very small pits, and a little wear in the muzzle. We grade this bore an 8 out of 10 under borescope inspection.
The stock retains its original finish in excellent condition, including the factory original pad. This stock may not be the original stock on this rifle; it has been modified. A wood patch has been epoxied into the front of the magazine well. Based on this, it appears the stock had been fitted to a H&H receiver at one point, then filled in to fit a standard/short magnum receiver. This patch is solid and well fitted. The stock shows only very light handling marks but no significant blemishes; dents, cracks, gouges, oil stains, or other defects.
All parts are correct for the year and chambering and appear original to the rifle, with the possible exception of the stock. The bolt is factory marked with the serial number corresponding to the receiver.
The history of the .338 "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. 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.
This item is only available for shipment to US addresses.
