I've noticed a quite a few pre-64 Model 70 .264 Featherweights w/ 22" bbls. advertised as being "Westerners". I always thought the "Westerner" was the original 26" bbl. model. Am I wrong in thinking that those that advertise the 22" bbl. models that way are full of beans? Isn't the 26" bbl. model "Westerner" worth more than the 22" bbl. Featherweight? What is a "Gopher Special"? Comments appreciated.

You are correct. The Westerner has a 26 inch barrel. The Gopher was a gun produced with no iron sights. I was told Gophers had 22 inch barrels only but I have seen 24 inch sightless guns as well.

Winchester also referred to the 264 Featherweight as a "Westerner". As I type, I am looking at an old advertizing brochure referring to the "Model 70 Westerner, 264 Winchester Magnum Featherweight".