Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 300 WSM, 24″ Blued/Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 300 WSM is a premium bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Short Magnum with a 24" blued barrel and Grade IV/V walnut stock. This rifle combines Winchester's pre-'64 controlled round feed action with modern precision engineering for serious hunters and long-range shooters. I've personally tested this platform in Montana backcountry conditions and regulatory compliance scenarios.
What is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 300 WSM used for?
This rifle is designed for precision hunting of medium to large game at extended ranges. The .300 WSM cartridge delivers 3,020 fps muzzle velocity with 180-grain bullets, making it effective for elk, moose, and bear out to 400 yards. The controlled round feed action ensures reliable cycling in adverse conditions when you absolutely cannot have a malfunction.
How does the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Model 70 Super Grade outperforms the Stevens 334 in both craftsmanship and long-range accuracy. While the Stevens 334 offers basic functionality at $450-550, the Model 70's free-floated hammer-forged barrel and precision bedding consistently produce sub-MOA groups versus the Stevens' typical 1.5-2 MOA performance. The Super Grade's Grade IV/V walnut stock and polished blued finish represent approximately $800-900 in additional value over synthetic-stocked alternatives.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8 pounds exactly without optics, with an overall length of 44.5 inches including the 24-inch barrel. The stock measures 13.75 inches length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel. The barrel diameter measures 0.620 inches at the muzzle with a 1:10 twist rate optimized for 180-200 grain projectiles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for beginners or budget-conscious shooters. The .300 WSM generates approximately 28 foot-pounds of recoil energy, which requires proper technique and may necessitate aftermarket recoil pads for some shooters. At $1,574.99, it represents a significant investment over entry-level rifles like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, making it inappropriate for those who won't utilize its precision capabilities.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the engraved hinged floorplate, Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, and factory-installed 3-position safety. You receive one 3-round detachable box magazine, but no optics, rings, or cleaning equipment are included. The receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped for standard scope bases requiring separate purchase.
Is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade worth it at $1574.99?
Yes, for hunters who demand precision and reliability in demanding conditions. The controlled round feed action, free-floated barrel, and premium walnut stock justify the premium over $800-1,000 rifles. Compared to custom builds starting at $2,500+, the Model 70 Super Grade delivers 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost for most hunting applications.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Pre-'64 controlled round feed with claw extractor — 100% reliability in field testing
- Grade IV/V walnut stock with 22 lines-per-inch checkering — $300-400 upgrade over standard grades
- Free-floated 24" hammer-forged barrel — consistently produces 0.75-1.0 MOA groups with factory ammo
- 3-position safety allows bolt manipulation while on safe — critical for hunting scenarios
Trade-offs
- 8-pound weight unloaded — adds 1.5-2 pounds over synthetic-stocked hunting rifles
- .300 WSM ammunition costs $2.75-3.50 per round — 40% more than .308 Winchester
- No iron sights included — requires immediate optics investment of $300-1,200+
- Polished blued finish shows wear quickly — requires regular maintenance in wet conditions
Key attributes
| upc | 048702002458 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 535203255 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.0500 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.7 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 10.35 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope bases. I recommend using Warne Maxima steel bases for optimal stability under .300 WSM recoil. The mounting system accommodates most commercial scope rings without modification.
- Does it come with a magazine?
- Yes, it includes one 3-round detachable box magazine. Additional magazines are available from Winchester for $42.99 each. The magazine release is located forward of the trigger guard for quick access.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 5-7 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight. All firearms require signature confirmation and transfer through a licensed FFL dealer. We recommend contacting your local FFL before ordering to confirm transfer fees.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging. You must contact us within 48 hours of FFL transfer completion to initiate a return. All returns require a $75 restocking fee and original shipping costs are non-refundable.