Recent content by Winchester70

Thank you for the information. Did both of your rifles come through Evaluator's Ltd? One civilian-sold and the other sold to US Military for marksmanship competition? Only reason I ask is that I'm curious about what work Evaluators Ltd did on the guns they special ordered from Winchester...

In his 1982 book, Roger Rule shows photos of a couple of M70 Winchesters with straight grip stocks, which apparently were available on special order (but never catalogued). Both Monte Carlo and straight comb versions with straight grips. So there must be a handful of original ones out there...

Very nice! Would you mind telling me if the barrels are free floated and the actions glass bedded? The one I have is not glass bedded but there appears to be a small amount of bedding compound around the tang that was added without removing any wood. The recoil lug and flat bedding surface...

Thanks for the note. I posted additional photos and description on a separate thread on 5/25 and copied it below. I'm still very interested in any feedback from members who have personal experience with these rifles. I've attached a composite .pdf file of some better quality photos of the...

Thank you. It is in quite nice shape, and I am mystified as to why neither the consignor nor RIA described it as a Van Orden rifle in their May Premier Auction Catalog (Excellent Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Bolt Action Target Rifle). If anybody viewing this conversation either owns one of...

Let's see if this works... I've attached a composite .pdf file of some better quality photos of the Van Orden Sniper rifle (S/N 351439) sold on Rock Island Auctions May 3rd. I took a lot of photos of which these are a few. I am posting them in hope that members of this forum who have first...

I finally picked up the RIAC Model 70 Van Orden rifle this evening. I have attached a couple of very quick (rather poor quality) photos. As soon as I get the chance, I want to dismount the rifle from the stock and do some quality inside-and-out photos, which I will post here in the hope of...

The M70 Bull Gun is truly a beast (Winchester was not kidding when they said it had a 28" EXTRA HEAVY barrel). Post-war model with some finish wear could probably be found for $1750-2250 or so. Still expensive... For the complete rebuilt approach, the idea of finding a 300 H&H Magnum...

For a complete custom build, I think the question is how much do you need the clip loading slot? If it's a requirement, then you are stuck starting with a 30-06 Target Model for the action. If not, then any relatively low mileage 1950's 30-06 or .270 WIN Standard rifle that has an...

That is a pretty nice example of the civilian M70 target, except for the rubber butt pad. The blocks are correct, the sights look correct (I can't quite be sure from the photos that it's a long slide 48WH - but I'd bet it is). As I said, the post 1955 rifles were catalogued without metallic...

Great suggestions, THANKS. While I've got about everything there is on Model 70s, I have very little in my gun library about the US sniper program, equipment, etc. Since there are several Senich titles, I appreciate the advice on which to consult first. Regarding Lyman sights on civilian...

R.A. Rifleman- Thanks. If the gun is straight 1955 M70 target rifle metal, it will be drilled and tapped on the bridge (same 0.550" hole spacing they used on the late H&H mag length actions). Can't tell from the on-line photos and I did not call RIAC in advance of the auction, for obvious...

No worries... All I can say from personal experience with RIAC is that live "phone bids" show up as "on site" sales. I've no idea about how "on-line" bids show up on different independent companies' websites. I have to assume that since ProxyBid and iCollector are "rival" on-line auction...

Honestly, I've no idea. I bid via ProxyBid. RIAC sent me an invoice directly and I've sent them a certified check in the amount of $2710.52. So either I'm the buyer or RIAC is taking me for a few grand... Which they've never done before. I had intended to engage this forum AFTER I had the...

I was an on-line bidder. Have to to wait for them to post the "won lot" (after the auction was over - Monday), complete a buyer's information form so they can calculate S/H/I, pick up a certified check, get the dealer's FFL sent, etc. RIAC is getting quicker at this process, but it will still...