Pre 64 model 70 ?

[Schandler]

I have a 1953 model 70 in 30.06 cal. And before it came my way it had an over charge shot in it. I’ve had to replace ring and extractor on bolt and will need a stock as original stock was cracked when fired the hot load. I’ve read pre 64 actions are all the same - not long action and not short action. My question is can i change from a 30.06 barrel to a 243 barrel and everything else should work with just a magazine spring and follower change ? And of course a 243 barrel ? Rather have something smaller than 30 cal and the 243 is inherently an accurate cal. Bolt stop change also ? Thanks for any input

 

[swd]

Different mag box and follower. Bolt stops are all the same. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a pre 64 308 but it might have an extension on the extractor collar that hits the bolt stops to shorten the pull.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Weisners should be able to help you with parts, I would think a magazine spacer and the proper follower would get you going in the right direction, But give Weisners a call.

 

[DR_2297]

The band that holds the extractor has a detail to limit bolt travel. In addition to the box mag and follower.

Just rebarreled my ‘51 from a 308 Palma rifle into a 308 deer rifle.

 

[ronemus]

I'd be very leery of an action that had fired an over-pressure round sufficient to crack the stock. At the least there may be dimensional changes, and more dangerous would be internal cracking which may compromise the strength of the action. This would be a good one to walk away from, and I'd recommend at least cutting it in half to prevent somebody else from falling afoul of it. The cost of adequately testing it is likely to be much higher than replacing it.

 

[243winxb]

Seen a M70 30-06 fired with a high pressure issue. I was ask to look at the reloads. Case trim length to long by .020" + . Bullet was crimped in chamber, with bolt closed & fired. .

Rifle sent to Winchester with locked bolt, broke stock.
Scrapped, not repairable.

Owner tried to save money by having a friend reload some range brass.

 

[shortgrass]

I'd be very leery of an action that had fired an over-pressure round sufficient to crack the stock. At the least there may be dimensional changes, and more dangerous would be internal cracking which may compromise the strength of the action. This would be a good one to walk away from, and I'd recommend at least cutting it in half to prevent somebody else from falling afoul of it. The cost of adequately testing it is likely to be much higher than replacing it.

Might see if someone can be found that will Magna Flux that action , before buying any parts. Will require removing any existing finish. Most engine performance machine shops have the ability to Magna Flux parts. Even if it costs a couple of hundred, far cheaper than finding out later. I'd not destroy that action until I had it checked, and it showed fractures.

 

[Schandler]

Fellas i appreciate the input here. I do not want a model 70 that bad !

 

[hpshooter]

Do you have a friend or relative that is a radiologist? X-ray will show cracks to a trained operator.

 

[shortgrass]

I'd be very leery of an action that had fired an over-pressure round sufficient to crack the stock. At the least there may be dimensional changes, and more dangerous would be internal cracking which may compromise the strength of the action. This would be a good one to walk away from, and I'd recommend at least cutting it in half to prevent somebody else from falling afoul of it. The cost of adequately testing it is likely to be much higher than replacing it.

Evidently, you haven't priced a Pre 64 Model 70 action lately.

 

[243winxb]

$750 https://truegunvalue.com/rifle/Pre-64-Model-70-action/price-historical-value

 

[shortgrass]

$750 https://truegunvalue.com/rifle/Pre-64-Model-70-action/price-historical-value

If I could buy good and useable pre 64 70s for $750, I'd be using them more on custom builds. Most run $900 to $1200+ now. I saw no dates on those in your link, just "1 week ago, 1 month ago" and so on. The one the post is about, would be worth Magna Flux,,,,,, and that wouldn't cost a couple of hundred, most likely.

 

[butchlambert]

My 1956 Mod pre64 is a 243 with parts supplied by Jim Wisner. You know they were also offered in 22 Hornet.

 

[msalm]

With a cracked/split stock and damaged extractor, it could have been just a case head separation. Somewhat likely the action integrity isn’t damaged at all. Inspection of internals w/ barrel removed would reveal what you most likely need to know…

 

[ISS]

Just a thought, since I am a Pre-64 junkie. I would buy it cheap from you, and have Jim Wisner go over it for me. At my expense. If he says it is good to go, I would pay you a fair price minus what I paid Jim to check it out. Or you could just contact him yourself and talk.