I recently purchased a Pre-64 model 70 with a 5 digit serial # beginning with 57. I checked the date of Mfg. the usual internet sites, showed "1946 or 1948". After doing a bit of internet research on other rifles manufactured in 1946 (post war) I realized that mine was probably what they call a "transition gun". This meant it could have parts from first and second models etc etc. So... next step was to check my Madis winchester book to find out how to identify what the differences between a first and second model would be. When I checked the serial numbers listed in the Winchester book, my rifle is a "1942" mfg. , 4 years earlier than the other references I checked ! I also read that early model 70's had the mfg. year stamped on the barrel under the forend of the stock, so I checked mine, it is stamped with the caliber 300 Magnum and 42 . Looks like Madis is correct as usual ! Needless to say, I'm quite happy to find out that what I actually purchased was a pre war model 70 in .300 H&H Magnum. The rifle also came with reloading dies, 3x9 bushnell scope and 2 bags of new brass. It groups nicely with 185 gr. and 200 gr. Lapua bullets over IMR4831. I consider this to be one of my all time favorite winchesters.

Skinner, Rule's book also puts your serial number rifle in 1946. I would not discount the possibility that your barrel was made far earlier than it was fitted to a rifle since these are war years we are talking about.In fact, his book has a notation which indicates that production stopped 11-20-42 and resumed 1-24-46. Just a thought.

Yes, I see your point, it could be a post war mfg gun, ... an older barrel from 42 that was fitted sometime later. However, I can't help but think that its more than a coincidence that the date stamped on my barrel matches the Winchester book records. I wonder if anyone else that has a 57xxx serial would have a different year stamped on the barrel than 42 ? Just a guess, but maybe the internet data is based on the rules book dates ? It would be good to know which source would be accepted as "correct". I could be wrong here, but I always thought that Madis information would be more accurate than any other source ? I will scan the page from Madis and post it, its an interesting comparison to the other records available around time. His records are quite different with regards to serial numbers produced pre war.

Just checked proof house records... They also list my 57xxx serial number as a 42 dom...

I'm going to call and try to talk to the winchester historian later today to see what his/her opinion might be.

That would be neat to read. This is all neat stuff to discuss and think about. My Dad bought a Model 70 in .22 Hornet just before the war. Sadly, I inherited it from him in 1996. He told me stories about bartering for a meager supply of reloading components, if they could be found at all, during the war years. Please post your finding if you make contact. Thanks.

I believe this little mystery is finally over.... I'm satisfied now that I have the proper DOM on my 70 ....Just talked to the Winchester historian in Morgan Utah on the phone, He told me their shipping records indicate that my rifle was shipped from their factory late in 1942. Its quite suprising how many inconsistencies still exist today between all these different "trusted" sources for manufacture dates. I'm happy to find out that my favorite trusted source (The Winchester Book by Madis) is correct.

Model 70 manufacture dates according to Madis' "The Winchester Book"

i own mod 70, sn 57xxx. it is chambered for 300 H&H. The barrel is marked 41. according to my reference this rifle was built ion 1942. the barrel is marked "300 magnum". it has a leupold 1051 scope on it.

Thanks for the reply Hiriser, What source did you information come from? ... 1942 also coincides with Winchester book dates. How long have you owned the rifle? Ever get it appraised or anything to determine its current value ?