• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Need parts for pre-64 Winchester 70, what am I looking for?

Recently I purchased a Winchester pre-64 model 70 barreled action from an estate sale. The gentleman was a machinist and did some gunsmithing. The rifle was early in its build when he set it aside, unfortunately for a long time and there is some minor rust. The Douglas XX Barrel has not been fully installed, it is chambered for .338 Winchester Magnum and has the model 70 extractor cut and bolt bevel cut. I screwed it into place and the caliber stamp is 1/4 turn from being properly oriented on the left side when fully seated. The bolt and and part of the ejection port is jeweled. The bolt handle is checkered in an oval pattern on both the upper and lower side where you need it when pinching the bolt between thumb and index finger. What I need are the action bolts, trigger guard, magazine spring, stock, follower, and floor plate assembly. It’s the last two, the follower and floor plate I need help with. How do I identify the proper parts? Are the 30-06 family followers different from the .338 family? I have read that a post 64 stock will work with minor fitting, is that correct? I am thinking the HS precision pro series 2000. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.
 
Numrich Gun Parts has some Win 70 parts. Check Ebay you can normally piece together something by checking on Ebay if you are patient. Winchester parts aren't cheap though.

The other thing I have had good luck with is on Gunbroker there are some companies that demil police confiscated guns by order of a judge. They sell the complete gun minus the receiver on most of their auctions. They go by " Gunbusters"

I may have a few parts in my bins for the 70. I will check.
 
Recently I purchased a Winchester pre-64 model 70 barreled action from an estate sale. The gentleman was a machinist and did some gunsmithing. The rifle was early in its build when he set it aside, unfortunately for a long time and there is some minor rust. The Douglas XX Barrel has not been fully installed, it is chambered for .338 Winchester Magnum and has the model 70 extractor cut and bolt bevel cut. I screwed it into place and the caliber stamp is 1/4 turn from being properly oriented on the left side when fully seated. The bolt and and part of the ejection port is jeweled. The bolt handle is checkered in an oval pattern on both the upper and lower side where you need it when pinching the bolt between thumb and index finger. What I need are the action bolts, trigger guard, magazine spring, stock, follower, and floor plate assembly. It’s the last two, the follower and floor plate I need help with. How do I identify the proper parts? Are the 30-06 family followers different from the .338 family? I have read that a post 64 stock will work with minor fitting, is that correct? I am thinking the HS precision pro series 2000. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.
I don't suggest the post 64 stock. I've done it and it's a PITA. Just pay a few more $$ for a pre 64 stock, imo. The parts you're looking for can be found without breaking the bank too bad. I'd probably bite the bullet and buy Williams floor metal but the rest won't be too bad. Get into small parts like the correct safety lever for$150 that still needs a firing pin and proper fitting...That's the stuff that will drive ya crazy and to the poor house with me. I do have a soft spot for those actions though, especially a nice one. For customizing, I'm not sure why people shy away from the post 64 stuff. They are excellent! I think it's just a little out of many smiths comfort zone but the work is really very near the same as a Remington. I really don't get it. They're good solid rifles and they're good to build on, where any factory action goes. Pros and cons..yes but no deal breakers...either way. They feel way better than any Remington! Even the old stuff. IMHO, just better overall. More personal preference than anything real, imho. The previously molested pre-64 stuff makes a great hunting rifle. If unmolested, they hold more value as original.
 
I have a good servicable stock that may work. What serial number is your action? Does the extracror slot line up or is it way off?
 
I don't suggest the post 64 stock. I've done it and it's a PITA. Just pay a few more $$ for a pre 64 stock, imo. The parts you're looking for can be found without breaking the bank too bad. I'd probably bite the bullet and buy Williams floor metal but the rest won't be too bad. Get into small parts like the correct safety lever for$150 that still needs a firing pin and proper fitting...That's the stuff that will drive ya crazy and to the poor house with me. I do have a soft spot for those actions though, especially a nice one. For customizing, I'm not sure why people shy away from the post 64 stuff. They are excellent! I think it's just a little out of many smiths comfort zone but the work is really very near the same as a Remington. I really don't get it. They're good solid rifles and they're good to build on, where any factory action goes. Pros and cons..yes but no deal breakers...either way. They feel way better than any Remington! Even the old stuff. IMHO, just better overall. More personal preference than anything real, imho. The previously molested pre-64 stuff makes a great hunting rifle. If unmolested, they hold more value as original.
Is Williams bottom metal back? If so, I was/am unaware of that.
 
Well, I was unaware they went out, if so. So idk.
Several years ago they became "no more". I used their bottom metal regularly in the past, because of cost conscious customer usually unwilling to spend for Sunny Hill. Midway lists them as "discontinued", Brownells web site doesn't show them, and their (Williams) web site is gone. Just thought maybe you knew something I had missed. I remember Williams wanted to sell exclusively through Brownells.
 
Several years ago they became "no more". I used their bottom metal regularly in the past, because of cost conscious customer usually unwilling to spend for Sunny Hill. Midway lists them as "discontinued", Brownells web site doesn't show them, and their (Williams) web site is gone. Just thought maybe you knew something I had missed.
No, not at all but times flies and it seems like only a year or maybe two that I spoke with them. I am probably wrong and not claiming otherwise.
 
I have a good servicable stock that may work. What serial number is your action? Does the extracror slot line up or is it way off?
I’m going to wait on the stock as I accumulate parts. 412xxx, 1957 production. I just screwed the barrel in hand tight, it would take <1\4 turn to get the extractor slot to line up.
 
Numrich Gun Parts has some Win 70 parts. Check Ebay you can normally piece together something by checking on Ebay if you are patient. Winchester parts aren't cheap though.

The other thing I have had good luck with is on Gunbroker there are some companies that demil police confiscated guns by order of a judge. They sell the complete gun minus the receiver on most of their auctions. They go by " Gunbusters"

I may have a few parts in my bins for the 70. I will check.
Thanks for the info, I just looked at Gunbusters. I see some parts for other stuff I need. They did have a post 64 70 listed.
 
Last edited:

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
165,418
Messages
2,194,965
Members
78,882
Latest member
FIDI_G
Back
Top