Among the many treasures featured at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum is a symphony of 120 fine Winchester Model 70 rifles and carbines, all displayed together in a single case. From standard models to Super Grades; lightweight to heavy barrel target arms; Sporters to National Match variants; this amazing collection of Model 70s was once owned by a single man— Melvin Gordon—and now museum visitors can see this collection, much as Gordon had it originally arranged, by specific type and caliber.
Two of the pieces illustrating the scope of the collection are represented here: a .22 Hornet m70 carbine and a .458 Win. Mag. m70 Super Grade rifle. Over the decades, Gordon acquired only the best available examples of the Model 70 for inclusion in the collection, selecting only those pieces with 95 percent or better original finish, when possible. Many examples still retain the original “hang tags” with which they were shipped from the factory. Gordon’s collection was donated to the nra in 2004.
Interested in historic arms? Visit either of the two NRA museums—the NRA National Firearms Museum at nra Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., or our new NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo. Both locations include a timeline of American arms from the first colonists through modern day, with exemplary handguns, rifles and shotguns available for viewing seven days a week. Admission is free to both museums (donations gratefully accepted), and offers an unforgettable visitor experience. For more details, check out the museum website at www.nramuseum.com, call (703) 267-1600 or e-mail [email protected]
