Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

[cfish36]

I got this rifle from my great grandfather. it has sat in my gun case for a few years. now that I have gotten into LR shooting I thought that it might be beneficial to float and bed this model 70. the thing that I don't want to go is loose the value of the gun. It has a 4 digit serial number!!

So the main question is to bed or not to bed??????

Any gun collectors that know how this process will affect the value, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

I would enjoy it as is and build something for the purpose you want. It will affect the value and that you can't undo what you have modified.

 

[younggun22]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

If you want to keep the collector value, then dont touch it. buy something else.

 

[JRWALLSIII]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

I say do what you want.

I just ripped my great grandfathers Pre 64 270 apart. I had Greg Tannel True the action and as soon as my stock shows up it's headed to Robert Gradous for a gunsmith class build.

Nice rifle!!

 

[Diablo]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Suggest leaving it unmodified, and keep it in the family.

It's not just a pre-64, because with that serial number yours is a pre-war (pre-WWII), likely was made during the first year of production.

Pass it down later to your son/daughter or grandson/grand daughter that would appreciate getting it.

Have spent many hours behind pre-64 M70s, and behind a few pre-WWII M70s.

In my opinion it's a keeper.

I still have one and regret selling the others I've owned.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Can't see the picture very well but if the scope addition required modification in the form of drilling and tapping, the collector value is already gone. I believe there should only be holes drilled on the side of the rear of the receiver and the top of the front receiver bridge. No holes on the rear receiver bridge on the very early Model 70's IIRC.

 

[treebasher]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Might as well spray paint it pink while your at it...

 

[Diablo]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Additional drilled hole(s) would diminish the value some.

But if condition is good that pre-war should be worth more than a transition or later pre-64 std M70 IMO.

 

[cfish36]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

My great grandpa used it every year for hunting up until he died about 15 years ago. I believe he had the holes drilled in the top of the receiver, and he put a old 4 power scope( I want to say a redfield but I can't remember I will post a pic in a little bit). I had a local gunsmith put a weaver base on it using the existing holes. just to make it more practical. I definetly think he would rather me use it as opposed to it sitting in the gun case.

Last time I checked (about 10 years ago) it was worth well over a grand.

My research says that in the first year of production there was around 30 made. The second year they made around 200. and the third year they made around 1800. my numbers may be a little off but should be close.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diablo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Suggest leaving it unmodified, and keep it in the family.

It's not just a pre-64, because with that serial number yours is a pre-war (pre-WWII), likely was made during the first year of production.

Pass it down later to your son/daughter or grandson/grand daughter that would appreciate getting it.

Have spent many hours behind pre-64 M70s, and behind a few pre-WWII M70s.

In my opinion it's a keeper.

I still have one and regret selling the others I've owned.


</div></div>

I agree!! I hate to ruin the sentimental value of the rifle, not to mention the market value. It is quite amazing how tight the action and barrel fit into the stock.

PS I followed the "posting pics" sticky in the "firearms for sale" forum, and that is the pic that showed up. How can I make it full size??

 

[cfish36]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Here are some better pics.

The stock is so tight to the barrel that i can't slip paper in between them

I got this from shooters forum .com thanks to faucettb


Serial Numbers for date manufactured for pre-64 guns
Year S/N start S/N end Quantity
1936 1 2,238 2,238
<span style="color: #FF0000">1937 2,239 11,573 9,335</span>
1938 11,574 17,844 6,271
1939 17,845 23,991 6,147
1940 23,992 31,675 7,684
1941 31,676 41,753 10,078
1942 41,754 49,206 7,453
1943 49,207 49,983 777
1944 49,984 49,997 14
1945 49,998 50,921 924
1946 50,922 58,382 7,461
1947 58,383 75,675 17,293
1948 75,676 101,680 26,005
1949 101,681 131,580 29,900
1950 131,581 173,150 41,570
1951 173,151 206,625 33,475
1952 206,626 238,820 32,195
1953 238,821 282,735 43,915
1954 282,736 323,530 40,795
1955 323,531 361,025 37,495
1956 361,026 393,595 32,570
1957 393,596 425,283 31,688
1958 425,284 440,792 15,509
1959 440,793 465,040 24,248
1960 465,041 504,257 39,217
1961 504,258 545,446 41,189
1962 545,447 565,592 20,146
1963 562,593 581,471 15,879

Apparently built in early 1937

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Pre64 model 70 30.GOVT.06

Yea, he had holes drilled in the rear receiver bridge. But that's such a nice looking Model 70 that I'd have to say it definitely does not kill ALL of the collector value. That is the very least that most guys did to those. I say leave it alone.

Oh, and by the way, the rear peep-sight is original. It was an option from Winchester.

And... Floating a barrel doesn't always make the rifle more accurate. It's a "harmonics" thing and sometimes being snug in the stock is better.