Big bulls got 1 & 2... I'll expound on 3 & 4, not that he is wrong or anything.
ORIGINAL: Pickerel
3) Do you think this rifle is a pre-64 version? I do not know how to tell the bolts apart since I haven't compared them. I think I saw that the serial number was 5XX,XXX but I am not entirely sure, and I saw on Wikipedia that the ones below 700,000 are pre-64.
4) Is this gun worth $450?
I appreciate your help.
3) If the serial number is under 600,000 than that shows a date of man. of 1963 or earlier. According to winchester there were no model 70 actions issued serial numbers in the 600,000s. Post 1964 action production started with serial numbers begining at 700,000. So while the wording is a bit off, wikipedia is essentially correct. As long as your memory/eyes serve you right and the serial number was in the 500Ks, it is a pre-64. Anything in the 500s will mean that is was made anytime from about 1956 or so up to 1963. Exact year depends on exact serial number. Just about any book that lists anything about date of manufacture will include Winchester model 70s... just flip to the glossary in the back.
4) As BB wrote, sight unseen there is no telling. Though I will say will almost zero excetptions that true pre-64 Winchester actions in sound working condition are worth at least $450 on their own.... nevermind the gun. So basically yes, its a decent buy.