Gunsmithing Winchester M70 w/ M14 magazines

[Mister Ridge]

I have seen a rifle claimed to have had the action modified to accept M14 magazines. I was wondering what modifications are necessary to accomplish this. In addition, the rifle had a very large stock, however, that may have been due to the fact that it was setup as an across-the-course rifle. The rifle used a post-64 action. No information given as to who did the work. I'd love to buy it but don't have the $1000.

 

[RTH1800]

On a push feed rifle, the majority of the work would be with custom bottom metal. It would make life easier to go with something using the AICS mags, which are better anyway. M14 mags are a little tougher to find now than on the past.
If going all out on a long action, BAR mags would work as well. Also not at scrap prices as in the past.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Not acquainted with the M70 setup you mention, but the new Mossberg MVP 7.62NATO/308 is designed from the ground up to accept M1A/M14 magazines as well as SR-25 magazines.

I have the Mossberg MVP Predator 5.56NATO/223. This is a compact, lightweight bolt rifle that handles any of several brands pf AR-15 magazines that I own with no issues. It does not have a long varmint weight barrel, but it easily outshoots the average AR at the 250yd distance our club range offers, using 55gr and 62gr Mil-Spec ammunition. It shoots well with 69gr handloads, but its 1:9" rifling may be introducing problems with 75gr loads.

The MVP has a proprietary bolt design to function with AR-style magazines. A hinged tab is inletted into the outside edge of bolt lug that orients downward as the bolt slides forward, before the bolt handle gets turned down to lock the bolt. This tab extends down to strip off the top round and feed it out of the magazine, then folds back into the bolt lug when the bolt handle turns to lock. Other bolt actions usually don't work well with military magazines, probably because they lack this critical feature.

A number of critics have down-checked this feature, and don't seem to like either its feel or its longevity. For my part, neither has been an issue.

I'd really like to get my hands on a Varmint model. My Predator Model does not shoot like a varmint rifle, but it does shoot better than I expected with its shorter, thinner barrel; and I'd like to see if the Varmint barrel improves on that in an acceptable manner.

These rifles have been in short supply at my LGS, and when they do arrive, they only stay briefly; and so far, not in sync with my funding. Someday, the proper stars will align.

Greg

 

[Mister Ridge]

I'm fairly certain that the rifle was built well before the AICS was available. Incidentally, I looked it up and does say who built the rifle, though not how it was done. The link below is for the rifle.

Winchester Model 70 Match Rifle. .308 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

 

[19Scout77]

I'm fairly certain that the rifle was built well before the AICS was available. Incidentally, I looked it up and does say who built the rifle, though not how it was done. The link below is for the rifle.

Winchester Model 70 Match Rifle. .308 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

Iirc the seller of that rifle, mo defina, is the owner of master class

 

[Powermac]

I am sure when you have the money, Masterclass can make you a stock for a M70 that uses AICS mags, although it would not be as unique.
They do top notch work, and makes some wicked stocks for prone shooters.

It seems like a good deal for 1000 dollars though, considering the rifle, stock, all the hardware and the unique magazine solution.
You might need/want a new bolt depending on the bolt face condition.

 

[Mister Ridge]

I like the novelty of the rifle. I think it's neat, old school setup. I would certainly like to build something similar, however, I would prefer a more general purpose stock. I am wondering if I could adapt it to a McMillan Baker Special stock. Cut the barrel to 25" and add a vintage Weaver T-Series scope. I have an odd taste in rifles.