September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
In the early 1950s, the US began experimenting with the concept of the light rifle and high velocity sub caliber ammunition to replace the M1 Garand. Among the government research was Project Salvo. Part of this project conducted by the Winchester Research Center circa 1953-54 was developing the homologous series of .18 Special (.18), .22 Special (.244), .25 Special (.256), and .27 Special (.277) cartridges based on the T-65 NATO Case, the precursor to 7.62 NATO. For testing Winchester chambered several Featherweight Model 70 rifles in the new cartridges. This example was built on a matte finished 1953 receiver. The blued Featherweight barrel has the standard factory roll marked with "-22 CAL SPECIAL" designation. The underside of the barrel has a "53" date and is marked "219". Solid knob bolt marked on the underside of the body with the full matching serial number. Rifle sports a hooded, ramped front sight, folding rear, and an additional receiver sight. Classic checkered walnut stock with Monte Carlo comb, alloy bottom metal, and alloy checkered butt plate. This rifle is pictured and noted by serial number on page 299 of "The Rifleman's Rifle" by Roger Rule. CONDITION: Very good. Barrel retains approximately 98% blue with some light freckles. Receiver shows faint high edge silvering. Bottom metal has expected wear along the edges and at high points, with some additional scattered marks. Stock is very good with some scuffs and light impressions. Very fine bright and shiny bore. Fine mechanics.