This is .338 Win Mag "Alaskan" Sporter rifle in NRA very good condition. It is marked with serial number 454563, indicating a 1959 manufacture date.
The original bluing is outstanding at 90%. There is only slight wear on the receiver, bolt handle, and bottom metal. The bluing on the barrel is near perfect. The receiver has some bluing wear and a few shallow scratches resulting in a very good condition rating.
The bore of the 25" barrel is in excellent condition, with slight throat wear and heat cracking but no pitting, we grade this bore a 9 out of 10 under borescope inspection.
The stock retains its original finish with honest handling marks, but still in very good condition including the factory original recoil pad. There are no notable blemishes, dents, cracks, gouges, oil stains, or other defects. The checkering is clean, crisp, and original. The stock has been bedded to the receiver; the bedding covers the recoil lug and the first inch or two of the barrel.
The sling swivel have been replaced with aftermarket quick release swivels. Aside from the sling swivels, 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 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 were 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.
