Winchester Model 70 Standard rifle manufactured in 1942. This rifle has "U.S./PROPERTY" electro-penciled on the left side of the receiver and the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) final inspection mark "RIA/FK3" stamped on the left side of the stock. Identical RIA markings on World War II production Model 70 Sporting Rifles are illustrated on page 145 of "THE Model 70 Winchester" by Dean H. Whitaker and page 298 of "The Rifleman's Rifle" by Roger Rule. The Army and Marine Corps purchased a limited number of Model 70 Standard rifles during WWII. Some of these rifles were evaluated as potential sniper rifles. A number of the Marine Corps Model 70 Standard rifles were subsequently modified to sniper configuration and used as sniper rifles during the early part of the Vietnam War (1965-67). This rifle has the pre-war Winchester Model 70 features which include: (1) front sight base with heavy stippled ramp, (2) Lyman 31 W front sight with brass bead and Winchester sight protector, (3) Winchester 22G rear sight with elevation screw in leaf, (4) clip-slotted receiver with wavy matting, (5) first style bolt sleeve with knurled safety lever and "FIRE" marking with arrow, (5) beveled magazine cover catch and (6) checkered steel standard type buttplate. The top of the front receiver ring and left side of the receiver are factory drilled and tapped and fitted with filler screws. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the "Type II" markings: "MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN.U.S. OF AMERICA/-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-" followed by "WINCHESTER/-TRADE MARK-" and "-MODEL 70- .30 GOV'T'06" ahead of the rear sight. The oval Winchester "W/P" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the barrel and receiver. "WINCHESTER/-TRADE MARK-" is roll-stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number "43924" is roll-stamped on the right side of the receiver ring in Roman style numerals, and "43924" is electro-penciled on the underside of the bolt. The barrel, rear sight, trigger guard, floorplate, extractor, safety lock, buttplate and sling swivels have the standard Winchester high polish charcoal blue finish. The receiver and bolt handle have the dull black oxide finish introduced by Winchester in 1939. The bolt and magazine follower are bright steel. The straight comb American walnut stock has the standard Winchester varnish finish and hand-checkered panels on the forearm and pistol grip.

Excellent plus. This rifle is all original and retains 97% plus of the Winchester charcoal blue and black oxide finish. The Winchester markings on the barrel and receiver are extremely sharp. The original packing grease is present on the bolt, and the extractor retains 98% of the charcoal blue finish. The stock is in excellent condition and retains 98% or more of the original varnish finish. The checkered panels show no handling wear. The U.S. Army RIA inspection mark is crisp. The blue finish on the buttplate is thin at the edge of the heel and toe but remains at least 95% complete. The rifle has no modifications or alterations except for the "US/PROPERTY" markings on the receiver and "RIA" inspection mark on the stock. Pre-war, U.S. Property marked, Winchester Model 70 standard rifles are rare. This is one of the best, if not the very best example, of a pre-war U.S. Property Model 70 Rifle extant.