Rebarrel on win 70

Pinchedfinger

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I have a nice winchester 70 in 308 that was my late father inlaws however I'm not a fan of the 308 and if I sold it to purchase something else my wife would probably cut off some important body parts.I was thinking of having it rebarreled in either 7mm-08 or 260,never had a rifle rebarreled was wondering if it's worthwhile or would I be better off leaving it as a safe queen and purchasing something else,I know it would hurt the value but I don't see this rifle leaving my family,any estimation on cost?
 
A premium barrel blank will cost north of $400. Installation, finishing will be several hundred more.
IF a take-off barrel with a fine bore could be found, installation might be a couple of hundred. Finding an excellent M70 take-off barrel in 7m-08 or .260? Good luck.
Something like a M700 Remington take-off barrel could be rethreaded and rechambered to adapt it to a M70, but the gunsmithing cost would be significant.
You don't mention which M70 variation you have. Pre-64? Post? Recent CRF?
Personally, I don't think rebarreling makes sense. Leave it as-is, use it as-is. Or leave it in storage. A M70 in .308 is a fine hunting rifle, but it is up to you.
 
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Some short actioned cartridges were put in regular length actions with a mag spacer to facilitate feeding. The upshot is that they can be rebarreled to regular length cartridges very easily. Worth finding out before deciding.
 
Budget around $1000 and possibly up to $1500 depending on what options you select and any extra work you do at the time.
Find a good smith and go for it; if the new cartridge gets you to use it then it adds to the family legacy as it becomes his and your rifle.
Plus your wife would likely prefer to see it used.
The take off barrel will still be usable if a future generation wants a 308, no machining necessary as it’s already been fitted to that action.
Keeping the same profile will eliminate any stock work and not make a reversal look odd with a wide barrel channel.
 
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It is worth buying another rifle in perhaps the calibre of choice in the same make and model for peace in the family.
A twin if you will…
With $$$ being a consideration the peace of mind in the family will offset the purchase price of a new to you rifle.
But, I am not married to your girl and no idea how she thinks.
Buy another gun and support the Canadian economy in the Province of your choice.
Tight Group,
Rob
 
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