Show&Tell:Really early Winchester 70.

[longbranch*]

Ever had one of those "white knuckle moments" when you latch on to a rifle and it's love at first sight? Well I had a "moment" like that last week when looking over an estate collection of a gunsmith. It's a pre-war Super-Grade action (5-digit serial number puts it 1938), in a custom stock. The barrel was in .30-06, but was re-bored and chambered in .35 Whelen. Serial# on bolt matchs, but safety is a later variation. Havent even shot it yet, but I love it! Yes it would be nice if still in original condition, but I'm not complaining.
Cheers
Geoff

Notice stock was built for M70 with later tang profile. Well done patch though.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

All original or not, that is a beautiful rifle. Great find!

 

[Norma]

Looks awesome, congrats on your find.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Good find and very nice. Here's a couple of photos of one I gave my buddy, 300WM and by the serial number, made in 1964.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

Johnn, I think I need to be your buddy....I lust after one of those in .300 H&H!

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Johnn, I think I need to be your buddy....I lust after one of those in .300 H&H!

It's a very nice rifle and getting one like it in 300 H&H would be a real find. When I gave it to my buddy, there were a number of 'circumstances' that came into play that made it happen. He's a really good friend, and 'things' were a little tight for him at the time, trying to get his business off the ground. He wanted to go Moose hunting in the worst way and needed something appropriate for that. Plus, I had just acquired a long sot after Schultz & Larsen in 308 NM and I've had a couple rifles given to me, so, it was my turn. What 'comes round goes round'.

The pictures I posted of it earlier are ones I took on a recent visit. From discussions we had on firearms, getting rid of that one is about the last thing he'd do. I'm glad he enjoys and appreciates what he has.

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

I REALLY like that rifle!

There's nothing in N.A. I wouldn't feel comfortable going after with a .35 Whelen.

 

[thepitchedlink]

Ohh man, that's a nice Whelen

 

[BigUglyMan]

Not the oldest rifle (1960), but a nice M70 in 300 H&H.

 

[Pat Brennan]

Geoff, very nice snag. I really like the lines of the stock, hard to improve on that package!

 

[dan belisle]

That's a beauty. - dan

 

[chuck nelson]

Very nice rifle! No offense to the other poster, but the push feed rock star is hideous in comparison.

 

[Homesteader]

Schawiiiing! Nice Whelen.

 

[mmattockx]

OP, that is a gorgeous rifle. I'm not usually a model 70 fan, but that is a beautiful, classic hunting rifle you found.

Mark

 

[NAA]

Geoff - Great score!

NAA.

 

[muddler]

But...Don't you shoot left handed Geoff?? I know. We lefty shooters need to buy something nice every once in a while too.
Bob

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Very nice rifle! No offense to the other poster, but the push feed[B] rock star is [/B]hideous in comparison.

Ouch!!

 

[longbranch*]

Lh

Not me Bob. Right handed all the way. Couldnt shoot rifle left handed to save my life. Ok with handgun though.
Cheers
Geoff

But...Don't you shoot left handed Geoff?? I know. We lefty shooters need to buy something nice every once in a while too.
Bob

 

[bellero]

Very nice rifle. Seems to be in good shape for it's age.

 

[pisces-guy]

Very nice rifle, congrats!