This is a Winchester Model 70 African rifle chambered in the powerful .458 Winchester Magnum, manufactured in 1957.
Why the African is Special
The African was introduced in 1956 as the exclusive platform for the new .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge, designed specifically for dangerous-game hunting. Only 1,226 Model 70 Africans were produced, making it the third-rarest pre-64 Model 70 chambering (rarer still are the .300 Savage and .35 Remington).
Distinguishing features of the African include:
25" #2 contour barrel with barrel-mounted sling swivel base
Unique multi-leaf express sights
Superior-grade walnut stock with Monte Carlo profile and extra figure
Offered only in a Super Grade–style configuration
What Makes This Rifle Extraordinary
This particular African has been customized by legendary New York gunmaker Griffin & Howe, elevating it beyond even the factory rarity. Customizations include:
Ornately engraved, gold-inlaid quarter rib with multi-leaf express sights
Barrel band front-sight ramp
Checkered bolt handle
Jeweled magazine follower, receiver rails, and tang in G&H’s distinctive “small fish-scale” pattern
Custom trigger guard with Oberndorf-style inside-the-bow release and refined contouring
Custom grip, slightly recontoured and Winchester's screw-on hard rubber grip cap upgraded to a more elegant ebony cap
Condition
Both the receiver and bolt are serial-numbered 402551, confirming originality and matching parts.
Metal: Original Winchester Carbonia rust bluing retains its deep satin finish, with only minor handling wear.
Bore: 25" barrel bore is pristine, rated 10/10 under borescope inspection, with no visible wear or pitting.
Stock: Monte Carlo walnut stock in excellent condition, with crisp, clean checkering. The recoil pad is excellent.
Bedding: Originally bedded by Griffin & Howe but beginning to crack. To preserve integrity, we have re-bedded the receiver and forward chamber area, including the barrel-mounted recoil lug.
Significance
The Winchester African is rare and desirable in its own right. This example—further enhanced by Griffin & Howe’s master craftsmanship—stands as a unique, safari-ready rifle of the highest order. Its customizations were executed by one of the few American shops capable of adding value without compromising collectability.
In sum, this is a superb, investment-grade Model 70 African—a one-of-a-kind safari rifle that embodies both Winchester’s magnum-era craftsmanship and Griffin & Howe’s legendary custom work.
