A rifle to last a lifetime

[chuck nelson]

In the January issue of Safari magazine there is an article entitled "The Story of Two Rifles". It is about a US Army sniper that brought his battered Pre 64 barreled actions home from service in Cambodia and Laos. The author used them there as a sniper and to provide food for themselves while employed. Each action has had at least 5 barrels and as many stocks and accounted for 90% of the 476 species he has taken throughout the world. He says "These two rifles have served me well over the last 46 years and will continue to do so as long as I live." Great article!

No plastic on these receivers.

 

[Rembo]

In the January issue of Safari magazine there is an article entitled "The Story of Two Rifles". It is about a US Army sniper that brought his battered Pre 64 barreled actions home from service in Cambodia and Laos. The author used them there as a sniper and to provide food for themselves while employed. Each action has had at least 5 barrels and as many stocks and accounted for 90% of the 476 species he has taken throughout the world. He says "These two rifles have served me well over the last 46 years and will continue to do so as long as I live." Great article!

No plastic on these receivers.

I'd like to read that article...kinda makes me want to hang on to the two Pre'64 M70's I have,,..I won't live long enough to wear them out...

 

[bogie]

Im shooting an 1894 Winnie 38-55 that looks like it has had NO attention other than the occasional clean. 110yrs old and shoots factory ammo like a hot damn.
I also have a Henry Martini thats 140yrs old that still shoots pretty good too.
The main consensus is that anything you buy except for some of the already junk stuff is going to last your lifetime anyway with a minimum of care. My family will be fighting over my stuff when Im gone for sure. Dont know anybody that has ever worn out a gun. Think about it.

 

[JasonS]

In all reality what is the difference between a pre-64 model 70 and the new classics that were reintroduced? They both use the same mauser style claw actions, the triggers are the same and the new ones are made with CNC technology. I can understand that the pushbolt model 70's were junky but once the claw type actions were re-released I thought the magic ju-ju of the pre64's was gone.

Enlighten me.........

 

[fiddler]

My Father bought me a mod 70 for my 16th birthday back in 1980. I love it, and if I had to choose only one rifle, that would be it. In 30 plus years of hunting, it fits all of my needs.

I have many other firearms for entertainment, but for serious hunting, I stick to what works best, and i never change my load.

 

[john-brennan]

M70

In all reality what is the difference between a pre-64 model 70 and the new classics that were reintroduced? They both use the same mauser style claw actions, the triggers are the same and the new ones are made with CNC technology. I can understand that the pushbolt model 70's were junky but once the claw type actions were re-released I thought the magic ju-ju of the pre64's was gone.

Enlighten me.........

If I am right, everyone was hand assembled by quality gunsmiths to tight tolerences. They did not leave the factory with out having cycled ammo to make sure everything worked properly unlike the one I bought 4 years ago in 270WSM had to go for servicing from day one. Now they are assembly line made guns where more than one person handles and assembles each one instead of the pre64 where one smith did one gun.

Other words when you bought one it work from the get go.

 

[Gunslinger]

If I am right, everyone was hand assembled by quality gunsmiths to tight tolerences. They did not leave the factory with out having cycled ammo to make sure everything worked properly unlike the one I bought 4 years ago in 270WSM had to go for servicing from day one. Now they are assembly line made guns where more than one person handles and assembles each one instead of the pre64 where one smith did one gun.

Other words when you bought one it work from the get go.

The flip side of that is with modern CNC meticulous hand fitting on a production gun is not necessary. I'd argue that the Pre64 and new Model 70's quality are essentially the same, with consistancy on the new guns being better. In the end I think we're really splitting hairs.

 

[Calum]

My Father bought me a mod 70 for my 16th birthday back in 1980. I love it, and if I had to choose only one rifle, that would be it. In 30 plus years of hunting, it fits all of my needs.

I have many other firearms for entertainment, but for serious hunting, I stick to what works best, and i never change my load.

What caliber?

 

[Omega]

The flip side of that is with modern CNC meticulous hand fitting on a production gun is not necessary. I'd argue that the Pre64 and new Model 70's quality are essentially the same, with consistancy on the new guns being better. In the end I think we're really splitting hairs.

Actually the new action is better in my opinion. For one the addition of the slot on the right lug, a feature from the push feed model 70, has made the bolt smoother and less likely to wrack and bind.
Each to their own but I have new and old and like the new better.

 

[TheTooner]

The fellows who were originally issued my Enfields may be dead of old age. I will be too before these rifles wear out.

 

[trevj]

Actually the new action is better in my opinion. For one the addition of the slot on the right lug, a feature from the push feed model 70, has made the bolt smoother and less likely to wrack and bind.
Each to their own but I have new and old and like the new better.

As proud owner of a ca. 1958 or so Model 70 Featherweight, in 308 Winchester, inherited from my father, bought new by him, I'd have to say that the build quality of mine, pretty much underscores why there were so many gunsmiths around in that era.

Modern CNC tools can pound out parts by the bushel basket, now, at accuracy tolerances that even many of the truly gifted smiths would have a tough time matching on a one at a time basis, then.

I like it, I'm keeping it, but I have no trouble with suggesting that the new ones are likely to be better made than the older ones, to closer tolerances and of better materials.

Cheers
Trev

 

[RickF]

The news one are way better! Please keep telling everyone that as it leaves more of the old ones for those of us who prefer them. There's not enough of the old rifles for everybody...