Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 African Super Grade 458 Win Mag. Value?

[Wayne]

I'm looking to get an estimate on the value of my .458 WinMag Model 70 African Super Grade. It's one of the rarest versions, with an estimated manufacturing year of 1956—making it the second rarest style of Model 70 ever made. Serial number:392###
The original stock was replaced years ago with a custom Droll Peer tree stock, expertly crafted by the late stock master builder for Musgrave. The stock is in excellent condition with no cracks and only light handling marks. The recoil pad is like new and still supple.

The rifle includes a correct Lyman 37FA silver bead front sight, an elaborate machined rear sight, and a beautifully matte-blued barrel. The bore and mechanical functions are flawless. It also features factory-installed crossbolts in the stock, with two smaller bakelite plugged crossbolts.

Any insights on its current market value would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sierraone]

Steve Barnett Fine Guns in West Point Mississippi used to sell these for around $10,000. He passed away about 1-2 years ago. The business is still in operation but I don't know who runs owns or runs it. The business still has one of the largest fine gun displays at DSC each year though.

 

[RR 314]

Ok. Insomnia is kicking in, so here is my take. There were about 1200 of these made. In excellent original condition I could see 10-12K to the right collector. The stock, although nicer than original, kills it and greatly reduces the value. It is now a shooter and my WAG would be around 3-4K in current condition. I will gladly accept criticism if I am off. Perhaps try to get the proper stock from a .375 and have it fitted, but still not original.

 

[Wayne]

Ok. Insomnia is kicking in, so here is my take. There were about 1200 of these made. In excellent original condition I could see 10-12K to the right collector. The stock, although nicer than original, kills it and greatly reduces the value. It is now a shooter and my WAG would be around 3-4K in current condition. I will gladly accept criticism if I am off. Perhaps try to get the proper stock from a .375 and have it fitted, but still not original.

Great comments ! im looking for the original stock it must be somewhere and have to decide to put it back or sell it with the rifle as it.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Find the original stock.

Lon

 

[deewayne2003]

As others have stated the replacement stock kills the value and I believe some if not all of it have been refinished and I see a couple of burred up screw heads.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the rifle but a collection piece it is not- but a great hunting/shooting rifle.

I would agree with the $3-4K valuation.

But @rookhawk would be able to put a more accurate price to it.

 

[Mekaniks]

Yes it is an excellent hunting rifle.

The collector value is gone. The original stock will help with that, but the metal has been recoated and there is no going back to original….
I can’t see if there is any extra holes in the receiver from the pics provided but it’s probably irrelevant.
If you have the build sheet that might help also…
Custom rifles like this with the pre 64 action have been really popular over the years and folks have spent a lot of money to have them built. IMO this is a very good example of one……
If someone wants what is likely an excellent DG rifle….and it could probably be opened up to a Lott without hurting the current value…

I agree with the comments above… it’s likely in the 3k price range, maybe more to the right person that is craving an already built custom shooter….

 

[rookhawk]

As others have stated the replacement stock kills the value and I believe some if not all of it have been refinished and I see a couple of burred up screw heads.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the rifle but a collection piece it is not- but a great hunting/shooting rifle.

I would agree with the $3-4K valuation.

But @rookhawk would be able to put a more accurate price to it.

It’s a very well made gun, but it’s unfortunately lost ALL collector value. $3000-$3500 due to two factors:

1.) it’s been restored, polished, and modified

2.) the original stock is missing.

If the original stock could be found, what could it be worth?

If someone spent $3000 completely restoring it back to the entire look and finishes of the original rifle, and it was flawlessly perfect as a restoration in every way, it could be worth $6500-$7000. Thus, it’s worth $3000-$3500 as-is IF the original stock can be found.

Judging it a different way, just as a custom rifle built on pre-64 parts, it also is a $3000-$3500 rifle because of the lack of desirability of the caliber.

The cheapest way to enhance value of the gun is to find the original stock, otherwise a dealer or aspiring restorer is going to offer less than the full retail prices quoted above.