Looking for any input. I have a mod 70 serial number 49492A. The receiver appears all pre war . Rear of receiver is flat top with waves ,no holes on top two factory holes on side ,stripper clip slot, 90 degree bolt top unbent, Bolt is jewled extractor is not, The serial number appears all factory stamped. It also has a period correct redfield receiver mount peep. Can anyone give me any info. The gun might be for sale. It was bought in the early 70's at a custom gun shop in Toronto. Cal. is 7x57 with iron sights, flip down rear, hood front.
Winchester Mod 70 Pre 64 Question ?
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257Roberts
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peterborough ON
According to The Rifleman's Rifle by Roger Rule,
Date of Mfg. of the receiver , May to June 1942, the rifle was built and shipped in 43.
There is no reference so far that I can find in Roger Rule's book as to the "A" suffix. There is an X suffix on some #'s and D prefix as well.
What I have found interesting, in 1943 - 1945 there was one, 7mm model 70 shipped world wide, according to table 4-4 production shipments by chamberings on page 98. This not to say it is yours, 1945-1948, 527, 7mm's were shipped.
There was only 1,470 7mm's built and a total of only 1,715 model 70's shipped in 1943 - 1945.
More information, with the jeweled bolt and starting in 1940, Redfield introduced a No. 70WH receiver sight that were installed on Special order Model 70's. They were not included in the regular shipping info as stated above. There was also a target version 7mm within this time frame.
So much info in this book that I would have to read it all again to let you know anymore.
You may find a copy at your library that you could do your own research.
And still more Information, Pre war 1936-1947 Receiver Bridge (item 2) Stripper clip loading slot (page 125) also, all national match actions were clip slotted (page 181)
You can look at the bottom of the bbl. at the chamber end to see if was returned to the factory for rework.
It would be nice to see some pictures of the action and bbl contour.
257Roberts
Date of Mfg. of the receiver , May to June 1942, the rifle was built and shipped in 43.
There is no reference so far that I can find in Roger Rule's book as to the "A" suffix. There is an X suffix on some #'s and D prefix as well.
What I have found interesting, in 1943 - 1945 there was one, 7mm model 70 shipped world wide, according to table 4-4 production shipments by chamberings on page 98. This not to say it is yours, 1945-1948, 527, 7mm's were shipped.
There was only 1,470 7mm's built and a total of only 1,715 model 70's shipped in 1943 - 1945.
More information, with the jeweled bolt and starting in 1940, Redfield introduced a No. 70WH receiver sight that were installed on Special order Model 70's. They were not included in the regular shipping info as stated above. There was also a target version 7mm within this time frame.
So much info in this book that I would have to read it all again to let you know anymore.
You may find a copy at your library that you could do your own research.
And still more Information, Pre war 1936-1947 Receiver Bridge (item 2) Stripper clip loading slot (page 125) also, all national match actions were clip slotted (page 181)
You can look at the bottom of the bbl. at the chamber end to see if was returned to the factory for rework.
It would be nice to see some pictures of the action and bbl contour.
257Roberts
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You're not likely to find a ref to the suffix"A" cuz there ain't one!! Stripper clip slot?????? Sounds like rifle is close to a Mod 70 but not factory. Jewelled bolt "pre war" That ain't happening either, sorry. Even the Super Grades were plain Bolts. Does it have the long claw extractor? or a little square extractor in bolt head?
GHH
GHH
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
Pre Wars have a stripper clip slot, he's correct.
7x57 is a very rare caliber for a pre-war. How long is the barrel? They made carbines in that caliber as well. There should be 2 holes drilled/tapped into the front receiver bridge, none in the rear. Also, pre-wars had "clover leaf" rear tangs. Post wars have the rounded tang. Pre wars with no holes drilled in the rear receiver bridge are getting hard to find, that would make this one worth lots of $$, in addition the rare caliber. Rear sight shouldn't be flip-up though, and I don't think any had jeweled bolts. Front sight ramp should be integral, ie. machined out of barrel. I can't find any reference to the "A" suffix.
All writing on barrel should be on left side, nothing on right. Later models ,starting in 1951 I think, had writing on both sides.
Do lots of research before advertising with a price, the US gun auction sites are a good reference, gunbroker.com, gunsamerica.com,etc.
This could be a rare gun, there are guys who'll pay dearly for a firearm like this, don't let someone talk you into a lowball price.
Some pictures would be great as well!!!
257Roberts
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peterborough ON
I am sure there are nutters hear that have a lot more info on the Model 70, The information that I have given you is in print.
It seems that bearkilr also has some experience with the Model 70 as well.
I agree with him that you may have a treasure there and more research should be done.
Possibly a letter to Cody Firearms Museum with all the details would be warranted.
257Roberts
It seems that bearkilr also has some experience with the Model 70 as well.
I agree with him that you may have a treasure there and more research should be done.
Possibly a letter to Cody Firearms Museum with all the details would be warranted.
257Roberts
Thanks for your replys. The bolt was most likely jewled by the custom builder. The barrel is a sako stamped 7x57. the stock has a pachmayr recoil pad. Yes the receiver is drilled in the front top only. This gun holds no interest to me but the receiver is unmolested pre war. It must have some value as they are getting hard to find.
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
Still some value, but basically now only that of an untouched pre War M70 action, instead of the whole rifle in a rare caliber, big difference. Those who use just actions of the pre War M70's aren't so concerned about unmodified, especially when used for a custom. They'd likely get holes tapped in the rear receiver and change the safety to the three position.
You could get lucky and find someone who has a barrel and stock from a pre War and could bring it back to near original, that's one option as well. Any idea what the original caliber may have been?
I'd say you're now looking at $700-$900 tops as it sits, depending how badly someone wants it.
