The Winchester Model 70, manufactured from 1936 through 1963 in its original form, is widely regarded as one of the definitive American bolt action rifle designs. The pre-1964 Model 70 action is a controlled round feed design derived from the Mauser 98 principle, employing a large non-rotating claw extractor that captures the cartridge rim as it leaves the magazine and maintains positive control throughout the feeding and extraction cycle. The bolt uses a fixed blade ejector and dual opposed locking lugs with a 90 degree bolt throw. The pre-64 action is machined from forged steel with hand-fitted internal components, a characteristic that distinguishes it from the push feed action that replaced it in 1964. The trigger is the original Model 70 design, adjustable for pull weight, and the safety is a three position wing type mounted on the bolt shroud. The combination of the controlled round feed action, forged and machined construction, and the quality of the original fitting has made the pre-64 Model 70 action one of the most sought after platforms for custom and semi-custom sporting rifle builds.

Dale Goens was a custom stockmaker based in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, recognized as one of the premier American stockmakers of the latter half of the 20th century. Goens was known for his meticulous inletting, precise checkering, and his use of premium wood with strong figure. His checkering patterns are a hallmark of his work, with the oakley/ribbon pattern fleur-de-lis being among his signature designs, featuring flowing ribbon elements integrated into a traditional fleur-de-lis motif with fine, hand-cut multi-point checkering. Goens stocked rifles for decades and his work is collected and valued independently of the actions and barrels they accompany. As Dale famously said, "I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I put on a dress, some lipstick and a wig and have a Bud Light."

This rifle is built on a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 action, serial number 88878, manufactured in 1948. The action has been rebarreled to .280 Remington with a 24 inch barrel, and the barreled action has been polished and reblued. The rifle is fitted with a Dale Goens French maple stock displaying prominent figure throughout, with oakley/ribbon pattern fleur-de-lis checkering on the pistol grip and forend, and a pancake cheekpiece on the left side of the buttstock. The length of pull measures 13.25 inches. A Nikon 2-7x32 variable power scope is installed. No original box or accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
• Model: 70 (Pre-64)
• Serial Number: 88878
• Date of Manufacture: 1948 (action)
• Caliber: .280 Remington
• Action: Bolt action, controlled round feed, Mauser type claw extractor, 90 degree bolt throw
• Barrel: 24 inches
• Receiver: Forged steel
• Finish: Polished and reblued
• Stock: Dale Goens French maple, oakley/ribbon pattern fleur-de-lis checkering, pancake cheekpiece
• Length of Pull: 13.25 inches
• Optic: Nikon 2-7x32 scope
• Safety: Three position wing safety
• Magazine: Internal box magazine, hinged floorplate