I bought mine from the original owner, and I think it is a early 70's. It has really nice wood, no gaps in the checkering like the newer models, and the bluing is really lustrous. And etched on the top of the barrel "Whitworth Rifle Company" Also the action has none of the usual slop. It is a fine gun. It had that early redfield 1-4x I just sold yesterday on here, but in the process, I snapped the screw off the rear base. I guess after over 50years on it, heating it didn't work. It is at the smith now getting the screw out. I ordered talley signature bases for it, and I have a set of case hardened qd talley rings and a swarovski z6i 1-6 that is going on it. I will send pics when I get it finshed. Hope to whack a leopard and an Eland with it... lol