One or two piece bottom metal and what colour?

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chuck nelson

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For a Model 70, which one.

I've recently acquired a LH classic Model 70 chambered for the 338 Win mag (thanks Wade). The barrel has been cut to 24" I've got a Williams machined steel extractor, and a Wby MK V follower spring in my parts box that will replace the originals, and will order bottom metal from Williams ASAP. I've used their factory "look alike" two piece stuff, and in fact one of my rifles is featured with that bottom metal on their website. Their one piece Oberndorf unit adorns my SS LH Model 70 280 AI so I'm familiar with that one as well. My question is which to choose based on both function and aesthetics. I know gunsmiths that have definate preferences and a couple that refuse to use a one piece unit from any maker.

I'll also add a McMillan EDGE Echols pattern stock and it will be painted brown. Which decelerator, Red or Black. The pictures show a right handed mirror image of the stock I'll order with those colour options on the pad with the stock colour I like.

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Chuck, I like your 280 very much (nothing I'd change there except to make it right handed). If you are going that far with mods for the 338, I'd suggest the 1pc bottom metal and I'd go for a black pad with the brown paint. (my next synthetic will be that way).
Pat
 
I kind of like the red pad. I would do some sort of black or really dark spiderwebbing on the stock in that colour.

Don't really have an opinion on the bottom metal.
 
I bought a couple of the one peice units, and sold them, as they did not offer anything functionally, and were probably more than twice the weight of the oem stuff.
 
rgv said:
I bought a couple of the one peice units, and sold them, as they did not offer anything functionally, and were probably more than twice the weight of the oem stuff.
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The difference, in weight, between the factory stainless bottom metal and williams 1 pc oberndorf unit is exactly 1/2 oz.
 
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As you are aware, Echols prefers the two piece metal for the ability to use all three screws. So do I. However, it is possible to drill for the third screw if the Williams metal is first welded together. Drill the hole for the third screw and you probably lose the half ounce. Put a screw in it and you get it back again plus a bit. The floorplate release is nice on the Oberndorf style unit.
The factory bottom metal is heavier than the Williams two piece because it is way thick. Of course, in some instances, the factory metal IS Williams.
The pad should be capable of absorbing recoil and should be a color you like. I would avoid bubble gum pink or any attempt at matching a McSwirly pattern. Regards, Bill.
 
chuck nelson said:
The difference, in weight, between the factory stainless bottom metal and williams 1 pc oberndorf unit is exactly 1/2 oz.
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thats pretty surpisring that winchester post-64 stuff is that heavy

there is at least 2-3 ounces difference in the steel pre-64 parts, compared to a Williams oberndorf style
 
The Winchester factory stuff is VERY heavy. The floorplate is twice as thick as pre-64 stuff as is the trigger guard. On top of that, it's crappy metal. Regards, Bill
 
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