I am tickled pink I found a Model 70 for my son. Its Featherwieght Classic CRF in 280 Rem. Both my gunsmith and I are sure its original. My smith knows the seller well and he says he bought it new in early 1990's when he was working at a gunshop, actually he said he special ordered it.

Ok both my smith and I both know what a factory Win looks like, the funny part is the serial number its G86XXX. My serial number sources put this as 1969 series numbers. Which would make it defiantely a push feed model 70.

Was this one of those Winchester rifles that was cataloged but never built until ordered semi custom shop?

Serial number has us stumped.

I thought the "G" prefix was for the classic CRF models only?

Perhaps I was misinformed.

Edited: Actually, I was just confused. The "G" does denote a "Classic" versus a Pre-64 in a CRF gun, but as you pointed out not all "G" guns were "Classics" by any means.

No "G" prefix started in 1969. ALos note the 5 digit code

regardless.....a classic featherweight in .280 is a treasure. The only ones today is thru the custom shop at about $3,000

Nice find...and buy!!

Well, after a little research some people believe that the low-numbered "G" Classics were a test run and some think that they were unfinished receivers from the 60's that were finished later.

Mr. Wisner probably has the real answer.

Yeah, any WInchester in 280 Rem is hard to find these days, even the push feeds. Actually factory 280's in any flavor other than Remingtons are scarce. Beleive me I have had my open for a while.

I just don't get the serial number though, it should be a 6 digit at least.

quote:

Well, after a little research some people believe that the low-numbered "G" Classics were a test run and some think that they were unfinished receivers from the 60's that were finished later.

Did you have a web link?

I already checked Wisners nothing on USRA Winchesters.

quote:

Originally posted by schromf:

quote:

Well, after a little research some people believe that the low-numbered "G" Classics were a test run and some think that they were unfinished receivers from the 60's that were finished later.

Did you have a web link?

There were some discussion on other boards about similar serial number issues. Nothing definitive - they just showed up when I searched for G-prefix Model 70 serial number information.
This is the thread I saw.

quote:

I already checked Wisners nothing on USRA Winchesters.

Maybe he will post here or you could email or PM him.

Interesting link thanks.
I did see a comment about the checkering, this rifle is definately not stamped or pressed, the pattern is raised.

The dates when the rifle was bought originally definately were in the turmoil period.

I guess I am not the first to notice this by the thread you linked me to.

Whatever the answer, it is clearly a great find. Congratulations.

I think you have a real nice hunting rifle for your son ! I have told many frends who are looking for a rifle for a wife or new shooter to get a 280. The standard factory loads are kept to a lower SAMMI preasure beacuse as you may know the rifles origional home was the Remington 740 auto. And while those same factory loads are quite mild to shoot , they are still plenty of power for deer hunting.
And of corse if you want to take a step up you can hand load or buy some Hornady light mag loads, and hunt Elk with confidence. I know of a remington Mountain rifle .280 at a shop near my home. Its an older one bule wood and a hinged floor plate. rifles I like. I would prefer the clasic Model 70 but that mountain rifle would be just fine too ! ...tj3006
...tj3006

I have one of these rifles. I bought it about 1996, and I am distressed that it is not offered anymore. One of my boys had it year before last - elk hunting in Colorado. Another boy had it last year hunting deer in Alabama. That sweet thing is now back in my safe, and I have a new to me burris 3x9 for it.
I shoot the green box 150 grain Remington in it. But I shoot the 150 grain round nose in my 270 featherweight. I am thinking that I will get some of the 160 grain round nose that Gander Mountain stocks and try it. Most of deer hunting (and hog hunting) is done at less that 200 yards, and the 150 grain round nose shoots very well in my 270, and it does a number on deer and hogs.
I am blessed, I have a 270 stainless with a wood stock and a blue 280 remington. I got the dies but I have not reloaded for it. I have reloaded the 175 grain spire point for my 7mm-08, and was surprised at the velocity I got out of a 20 inch barrel (2400fps, and not top load).
I have a lot of those left, and I should try the 280. I am laid up with knee replacement for a few weeks or I would be shooting at hogs today.

Hello the campfire:
I love the .280 Reminton. I have a Springfield 03 that was rebareled in .280. I got a deal on the rifle, and thought that I would maybe take it back to 30-06, but after shooting it I would not change a thing about it. It likes 139 grain Hornadays and will sshot 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards allday. It will shoot heaver and lighter bullets also but loves 139s.
I also have a Mod 70 with a "G" number G1834.... It is in .300 Weatherby Mag. and according to the "Blue Book" it was made in 1989. This was easy to estabish because Wincheater did not make very many .300 Weatherbys during this time period. The same may be true of the .280. This rifle was bought for the action, but dog gone it, the wood is good if not great, and the checkering is hand cut, skip line about 22 lpn and it shoots too good to change.
If I were trying to determine the date of manufacture of a specific rifle, I would look in the Blue Book as they give pretty concise serial number ranges. Also a call to Winchester's historical department might give you some useful information. I like to gather this type of info as I think that it adds the resale value to know something about the history. Granted this is not Grandpa's 1873 that won the fight at Fort Wayne, but knowing when it was made, and where it was sold makes it more than a peice of iron. Thats why I don'tgo for the mass market plastic and stainless rifles sold at wally world at a discount.
Judge Sharpe

Nice Timing. I picked up a similar rifle this past July. .280 Rem, FW, CRF, mine is SN# G26XXX. I'll shoot it and then maybe have it restocked in a nice piece of walnut. My stock shows normal hunting wear, but the metal is flawless. I've always liked the .280 Rem.

Here is another CRF Win with a Gxxxxx serial number.

gunbroker auction

I am not a big fan of 300 Win mags but I like that. The one I just bought isn't a Supergrade though.

Cool--and congrats.