Type of finish on this m-70 receiver

[mjmd11]

This rifle was once in the U.S. Army inventory and ,as you can see, the finish on the receiver and barrel do not match. I also assume it had a micrometer sight on it before the scope was mounted due to the wear on the finish around the tap holes. The rings on the scope are early Redfield I presume. The barrel appears to be a medium/high gloss blue while the receiver is almost a matt grey. The barrel, is stamped 1952, and is a 24" Winchester Target. It could be a replacement or possibly refinished at some time during the rifles lifespan. I would like to get the barrel refinished to match the receiver.(The rifle is a tack driver.) Any help or thoughts you may have would be appreciated. Especially if you have a smith who can do the job. I do not think the receiver is rust blued.

 

[Skunk]

No pics, but FWIW my Van Orden has a matte finished receiver and polished barrel.

 

[Skunk]

See them now. Mine looks just like that. Probably the same blue on barrel and receiver, just different surface prep.

 

[Criver600]

Looks like every other pre-64 model 70

 

[Pre64]

That is the correct and original finish for that rifle. Please do not re finish the barrel as that would kill the value of your rifle.

 

[DanGroves]

That is the correct and original finish for that rifle. Please do not re finish the barrel as that would kill the value of your rifle.

Absolutely!

 

[Lange Carabine]

This rifle was once in the U.S. Army inventory

Just curious how you know this?
As I understand it all branches had these in their rifle teams inventories and for other purposes.
Mine is "U.S. PROPERTY" marked, but to date I've been unable to determine to which branch it belonged.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I have several pre-64 model 70s. All of them have a matte finish receiver. The barrel is much more highly finished. That finished looks absolutely perfect on your rifle. Cheers Sirhr

 

[RTH1800]

As above. Finish is correct . Pre war rifles are high polished on receiver in case someone needs that info.

 

[mjmd11]

Thanks to Skunk, Criver600, Pre64, Dan, Lange Carabine, Sirhrmechanic, and rth1800 for the informed responses. The only other rifles I own are pre war so I was comparing the finish on those to this early 50's rifle. An erroneous assumption on my part and somewhat embarrassing for someone who should know better.

For the record. How did the factory produce that matt grey receiver finish?

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[Pre64]

They polished the barrels and left the receiver in a bead blasted type finish. From what I’ve read it’s the same bluing solution.

 

[Random Guy]

The barrel, is stamped 1952, and is a 24" Winchester Target. It could be a replacement or possibly refinished at some time during the rifles lifespan. I would like to get the barrel refinished to match the receiver.(The rifle is a tack driver.)

For the record. How did the factory produce that matt grey receiver finish?

The level of metal prep/polishing prior to bluing will determine the level of 'sheen' of the metal. Sand it for hours with 2000 grit sandpaper and it will come out a super reflective glossy deep blued finish that you can see your reflection on. In contrast, if just bead-blasted without any subsequent polishing, it will typically produce a matte black/non-reflective finish - even if the same bluing solution is used. Manganese-based phosphating or parkerizing will produce a dark-gray, military style finish.

I once read a post by I think Gus Fischer (former USMC match armorer) who stated that when they re-barreled bolt action rifles they would 'true' the face of the action, bead-blast it, and then dunk it into the bluing tanks without any real polishing of the receiver's metal surface, thereby resulting in a somewhat matte finish. My guess is that WRA polished their replacement M70 barrels to fairly nice blued finish, but used M70 receiver's didn't get the same hours of careful attention/metal prep. To the military it's just a tool, no need to make them pretty during a re-furb.

As seen in the attached USMC M70 at the NRA museum, the polished barrel with somewhat matte finish receiver is common. I wouldn't mess with it, esp since its accurate. For my build based of an old hunting rifle, I had my local gunsmith (since retired) sand my receiver and barrel with 200 grit paper before he blued it, so it came out what I would call a 'satin' or 'semi-matte' finish. (see 2nd pic). It does not have as much 'sheen' as the original WRA barrel's 'glossy blued' finish, but was sort of in the middle. I wanted to sort-of match the blued finish on an old Unertl scope, which is what he achieved. The surface has very fine sanding marks and its non-reflective (ie, 'satin' finish). Again, I'd leave your barrel and receiver alone - esp if its a former military rifle.

 

[mjmd11]

There are two of them , both 338xxx's and both x military. The good advice offered here will be heeded and they will be left unmolested although one of the barrels is badly pitted on the outside.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

There are two of them , both 338xxx's and both x military. The good advice offered here will be heeded and they will be left unmolested although one of the barrels is badly pitted on the outside.

On an original gun... pitted and original is still better than un-pitted with new parts or replacement bits.

Gorgeous stuff!

Sirhr