M70 Action question

[GMC403]

Was there 2 different types of actions used for the Magnum Stainless Classic series?

I had a 7mmRM that used a standard M70 base for the rear scope mount. The 338WM i'm interested in has what looks like a shorter rear action bridge (base screw holes close together).

 

[dgradinaru]

Is the 338 new production, assembled in Portugal? If so I have noticed the same thing with an Alaskan 375 I bought. The way they drilled the rear receiver requires new type of bases which is odd.

 

[GMC403]

Is the 338 new production, assembled in Portugal? If so I have noticed the same thing with an Alaskan 375 I bought. The way they drilled the rear receiver requires new type of bases which is odd.

No, it's an older production (New Haven)

 

[Neilm]

They are the same action. In the express models the rear bridge was narrower for the longer cases i.e. 375 H&H 7Stw to fit in the mag. I think Winchester used whatever action they had for some of the other magnums. I've seen some 7RMs with both types of rear bridge.

 

[Dogleg]

The express actions have a different height on the rear base, and different spacing on the screw holes. .330" if my imperfect
memory can be trusted. It's not a big deal until you are passed or sent the wrong bases, which in my experience will happen just about every time.