M70 Pre-64 bottom metal

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Huntin' Gun

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Is there anywhere a person could buy new bottom metal for a pre-64?
I was thinking of getting such a rifle from a guy, but the aluminum bottom metal is pretty rough [it's a featherweight]. The rifle isn't perfect. There are no sights, and there is an aftermarket pachmyer recoil pad installed. The wood is pretty good, and the rest of the rifle's steel is 90%. It's chambered in .270. The bluing looks almost matte, instead of the deep pollished blue I would expect.
Any estimates on what such a rifle is worth? no, I don't have any pics.

If I could get some replacement bottom metal, then I might buy it anyway.
 
Huntin' Gun said:
Is there anywhere a person could buy new bottom metal for a pre-64?
I was thinking of getting such a rifle from a guy, but the aluminum bottom metal is pretty rough [it's a featherweight]. The rifle isn't perfect. There are no sights, and there is an aftermarket pachmyer recoil pad installed. The wood is pretty good, and the rest of the rifle's steel is 90%. It's chambered in .270. The bluing looks almost matte, instead of the deep pollished blue I would expect.
Any estimates on what such a rifle is worth? no, I don't have any pics.

If I could get some replacement bottom metal, then I might buy it anyway.
Click to expand...

Google Williams Firearms. They are based in Oregon. They make good quality components for Model 70's including bottom metal. I have purchased bottom metal for my Model 70 from them and was completely satisfied - very good quality.
 
I would suspect the F/W has been reblued or touched up with an after market bluing kit. If you know what to look for it's quite easy to determine.

I've seen a few featherweights with the floorplates wore off to bear aluminum before. I suspected it was to do with the way a hunter carried his rifle rather than using a sling. F/W floorplates come up on ebay on occassion, but usually sell for a high price. ($150 plus).

Pre-64 F/W stocks, in original condition, sell for a premium. The only F/W that was available from Winchester with a Winchester Pad, was the later ones in 264 Win. Mag. All other featherweights came with either an aluminium or hard rubber buttplate.

My advice would be to buy the best rifle you can afford. One in nice original condition would not be that much more. I highly doubt you'd be able to upgrade the one you've described for the difference in price and it still wouldn't be original. A pre-64 M70 action in itself is worth $600 plus, but a very nice F/W in original condition can be had for around $1000 to $1500, if you keep your ear to the tracks. I've been collecting these pre-64 M70's for awhile now and believe me when I say, it's worth the wait for a real nice one. The feeling you get from owning a real nice pre-64 M70 will last a lot longer than the feeling of paying a few hundred dollars more for it. . :)
 
I wouldn't be too overly concerned about the bottom tal if that is all that is bothering you, if the metal is perfect and the bore is clean all the rest is doable and can be restored to original condition. The FTW bottom metal is aluminium but is not cast as todays rifles are so the metal can be carefully resanded and the whole bottom metal can be anodized as it was from the factory or you can paint it if you want to go on the cheap. This version aand that caliber is highly sought after and it would be worth restoring.
IMHO
bb
 
Rod said:
I would suspect the F/W has been reblued or touched up with an after market bluing kit. If you know what to look for it's quite easy to determine.

I've seen a few featherweights with the floorplates wore off to bear aluminum before. I suspected it was to do with the way a hunter carried his rifle rather than using a sling. F/W floorplates come up on ebay on occassion, but usually sell for a high price. ($150 plus).

Pre-64 F/W stocks, in original condition, sell for a premium. The only F/W that was available from Winchester with a Winchester Pad, was the later ones in 264 Win. Mag. All other featherweights came with either an aluminium or hard rubber buttplate.

My advice would be to buy the best rifle you can afford. One in nice original condition would not be that much more. I highly doubt you'd be able to upgrade the one you've described for the difference in price and it still wouldn't be original. A pre-64 M70 action in itself is worth $600 plus, but a very nice F/W in original condition can be had for around $1000 to $1500, if you keep your ear to the tracks. I've been collecting these pre-64 M70's for awhile now and believe me when I say, it's worth the wait for a real nice one. The feeling you get from owning a real nice pre-64 M70 will last a lot longer than the feeling of paying a few hundred dollars more for it. . :)
Click to expand...

I also support this message... i also have pre 64 mod70 in 270 that gets accuarcy most wouldnt believe at 200 yards. There amazing rifles.
 
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