This is .338 Win Mag "Alaskan" Sporter rifle is in NRA excellent condition. The bolt and receiver are both marked with serial number 493037, indicating a 1960 manufacture date.
The original bluing is outstanding at 98%+. There is virtually no notable edgewear, fading, or scratches to the barrel. There are some light scuffs on the sight hood, and a spot of rust/pitting along one side of the floor plate.
The bore of the 25" barrel has almost no throat wear, but it appears this rifle may have seen some use in harsh climates; there is shallow pitting throughout the length of the bore, resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Borescope verified.
The stock is in very good to excellent condition, retaining its original finish and Winchester branded recoil pad. This stock had a crack in tang that has been professionally repaired by the Pre64 staff. The stock has no other cracks, dents, gouges or other notable damage, and the pad remains soft with no dryness or cracking. The checkering is original and crisp with no major blemishes. The original finish contains light handling marks in the form of surface-level scratches, dings, and scuffs. The stock has not been bedded or otherwise modified.
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 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 $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.
