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Firearms Winchester 70 Ultra Match / Palma Match / International Match Factory .308

BSully

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Minuteman
Jan 2, 2009
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ATLANTA, GA USA
This is a Winchester Model 70 factory .308 match rifle, built 75/76. It has been referred to as the Ultra match, Palma Match or International Match (different stock). This rifle is the same model used to build Carlos Hathcock's retirement rifle, the M70 / M40A1 with the greenie. It is a very specific design to the receiver and the clip slot. It is a long action rifle with a short action ejection port. Very few of these rifles were made and some of the variants are quite rare. This particular variant is a late, 3rd variation. It has an externally adjustable trigger. It is adjusted via 2 screws in the striker channel in the receiver. Will post better pics this evening. Rifle comes with Redfield international sights, front and rear. Most of these rifles went to the military or to Palma teams when hosted by the US. The rifle is in excellent condition, bore is as new. Some small marks on the stock. Rifle is all factory. Don't do pay pal, sorry. Happy to provide references. $1500.00 shipped to your FFL. Serial number range G119xxxx.

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How many rounds down the barrel? Is it the original barrel? The original barrels are hammer-forged, with a deep recess at the muzzle. Is the felt on the handstop worn, or has it been replaced? Has it been bedded? These are some of the best shooting rifles in the world, and I have only ever seen one in this kind of condition, with an original barrel. Not only is the trigger externally adjustable for pull weight and overtravel, it is not the same design as the typical Model 70. Still, it is a robust design, and has great feel. It is an Ultra Match. This is a really good price for such a rifle, especially with period-correct sights, which by themselves would run $200-300 minimum.
 
All correct, original barrel, felt in commensurate shape for being attached to the rifle all its life and not moved around (all there but flattened out). Unknown round count but would have to think very few. No visible ring on bolt face. It is bedded. I have read that rifles this late were all custom shop rifles and were bisonite bedded at the factory. Have also read these were noted as "Ultra Match" variants as the barrels were considered to have been "ultra rifled" , not just a standard factory barrel, as per Winchester advertising. This rifle is not marked with the Palma Match Centennial markings.

quote from winchester collectors forum

"There were actually 3 different Palma Match Model 70’s produced by Winchester. The first year was 1968, then 1971, with the last year being 1976. The Palma matches were held in different countries every year and the host nation supplied the rifles. The 1976 matches were held in the U.S. and there were 6 countries competing, including the U.S. were, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. These rifles were made just for the competitors in the matches and I believe there were 150-160 rifles made. The rifles, which were equipped with Redfield International sights, were sent directly to Camp Perry for the competition. The were handed out to competitors the opening day of the match along with Winchester 7.62 match ammunition loaded specifically for these “Ultra Match” rifles. The rifles all started out as “Ultra Match” barreled actions and were completely assembled in the Winchester custom shop, with the addition of Bisonite bedding under the receivers. "

link to thread.