What to do with this rifle.

[D Miller]

I bought this rifle today off a local guy who's father or father inlaw passed away from the sound of things. When i got it home and looked it over closer its way older than I thought with a 5 digit serial number in the 68k range. The date code on the barrel is May 1963. It also came with a 3x9 Redfeild tracker.


My original plan was to tear it apart for the action but Im having second thoughts about that now. Should i give it a new lease on life as a 6.5creedmoor or give this this old timer a comfortable retirement in its original 243 form.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: What to do with this rifle.

While I have torn apart several of the older 700's I am getting to where I hate seeing them dismembered for just the receiver. I currently have a 222 made in 64 and a Varmint Special in 243 that is a 69. The 243 is a 7 digit After I cleaned them both up and looked them over I just can't tear them apart. Neat old rifles and most shoot super!! Bought a really nice Sept 66 243 BDL a couple years back with the correct 6 digit for an M40 project. Really tempted to put it back together. Don't think it had more than 100rds or so through it in all those years. Same with the old 222 I would bet 400rds tops. Just no wear and bolt faces still have 100% blue and little wear on bolt body from cycling etc.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: What to do with this rifle.

Those early 700's are starting to hit collector status.

I wouldn't tear it down or redo it. If you want something new, sell that one and buy a new Remington or action to do your custom.

You will do a lot better hanging onto it for a few years... the early ones are going up rapidly and are fine, fine rifles.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[D Miller]

Re: What to do with this rifle.

Thanks for the replies.

The bolt face has 90% of the bluing, only the bolt handle and stock show signs of wear.


The old timer is going to get a comfortable retirement in the safe after a good cleaning and fresh oil. There is about 1/8"(seriously) of dust on the objective so it hasn't been used in quite some time.

Ill look for a newer one as a parts rifle.

 

[johninok]

Re: What to do with this rifle.

I would leave it alone, its easy to get 700 actions in the mid 400 range. I have a friend with the same rifle and vintage, its an excellent shooter.

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Re: What to do with this rifle.

I hate to tell you this, but that gun is no good.

Just send it to me, I'll dispose of it for you.