I’m on a mission and I need some help for a good guy I know.

[joshb]

A guy I know is going thru a rough time. His parents health has been going downhill and he’s been spending a lot of time taking care of them. A month ago, he went to San Antonio to pick up some pump parts. His truck was broken into while he was in the store and they stole his truck gun. Two days ago, his daughter told us he’s been diagnosed with an unusual blood cancer.
I’m on a mission to replace his truck gun. It was a Winchester M70 in 308. It’s his favorite set up.
I’ve scoured the local gun shops and haven’t found one. Also, no joy on Gunbroker at a reasonable price.
I have one M70 custom in 6.5 Creedmoor I’ve pulled apart. I’ll use the action If I can’t find a substitute, but I’ll need a short barrel for it. I have a “Wanted add” in the Classifieds for that. Any prefit options are too far out to get this done by Christmas. I have a Mesquite stock in the works for the gun.

I’m looking for an M70 short, light barreled action in 308 or an M70 barrel to fit my action. The 6.5 barrel I took off has a tenon of 1”x .7015” long.
I could use some help.
Thanks!
Josh
Add: I’m not looking for freebies, just sources. If you have a neglected gun that’s sitting in a safe, let me know. If any of you Gunsmiths have a nicer take off barrel, let me know.
Thanks!

 

[Kevin1990]

I don’t have what you’re looking for, but Prayers to your friend. Also, you are a good person for trying to do this for him.

 

[rwj]

I don’t have what you’re looking for, but Prayers to your friend. Also, you are a good person for trying to do this for him.

Nor do I… but I’ll be checking some local shops for one!

 

[snert]

I will pray "Lord, strengthen Josh's hands and bring him what he needs tocare for his friend".

 

[Bill Norris]

Will look around Josh to see if I can find something. Good efforts on your part no doubt.

 

[joshb]

Thanks guys! I’m seeing a couple XTR models on Gunbroker but I’ve read about trigger problems with them.

 

[PhilKeil]

Josh if i can find a blank we can assist with any machine work. I will reach out to a friend if he has a barrel.
How long are you wanting?
phil

 

[joshb]

Josh if i can find a blank we can assist with any machine work. I will reach out to a friend if he has a barrel.
How long are you wanting?
phil

Hi Phil: Short and skinny for a truck gun. 18-20 inches in a lighter hunting contour. My first thought was Urbanrifleman, but he’s down for construction.

 

[Handi204]

There are some listed on Flea bay.

 

[joshb]

There are some listed on Flea bay.

Thanks for that. I have a couple requests for tenon measurements with them.

 

[Adam in WI]

How much are you thinking you'll save piecing one together? Could you get a new Featherweight and shorten the barrel a little?

 

[pintopete]

Josh, any interest in a 7mm Rem mag or 7mm WSM? Both Sporter weight, used. I don’t have them, but have a source. Factory Win 70, 2-300 rounds, blued.

See what you think, no pressure, Peter.

 

[joshb]

How much are you thinking you'll save piecing one together? Could you get a new Featherweight and shorten the barrel a little?

Well, I’m hoping someone has a whole gun they’re willing to part with. A safe Queen, etc. I’m finding XPR models for a little over $500, but I know nothing about the quality of them. I’ve never held one or cycled the bolt. The last cheap Remington I bought felt like it had sand in the action. I paid $400 for the action I have. It’s in a gun I never shoot so I thought I’d start by looking for a barrel.
It’s going to be a truck gun, so I think if it shoots 1-2 MOA, it will work.

 

[Adam in WI]

Going from a model 70 to an XPR is going to be a quantum leap to the rear in my opinion. Maybe fine for a beater, but I'd take a Savage if that's the goal.

Edit: new 700 ADLs can be had for around $600. I'd take that everyday before an XPR

 

[joshb]

Going from a model 70 to an XPR is going to be a quantum leap to the rear in my opinion. Maybe fine for a beater, but I'd take a Savage if that's the goal.

Edit: new 700 ADLs can be had for around $600. I'd take that everyday before an XPR

Thanks for that! XPR is off the list. I kinda thought it was too cheap to be any good.
I want to get him what he likes, not what’s cheap or what I like.

 

[marazzi59]

I'm no gunsmith and don't have a FFL but do have a full shop in my home. Anything needed pm me. I would be interested in talking about short chambering a barrel if needed or anything else I can help with.

 

[DirtySteve]

If you find a blank I can loan a 308 reamer.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I have some blanks. They’re all long with a fast twist. If you’re ok cutting off a chamber end, I have one that has never been fired. The used reamer gave me second thoughts.

I live near Austin.

 

[nakneker]

Good on you Josh! The world could use a few more people that think and live this way!

 

[snert]

Good on you Josh! The world could use a few more people that think and live this way!

I can vouch he does, regularly