Pre-war Model 70

[Bulseyetom]

I am contemplating buying an old Model 70 made in 1939. The barrel is pitted and will need to be replaced. Is there any issues with Model 70's of that vintage that I should know about before I make the jump. I know a modern custom action makes more sense but what the heck, I can only shoot so straight in the field and the gun will always shoot better than I can hold. Tom ???

 

[longrange08]

just about done building this one. pre64 long action chambered it in 7mm-08 and its shooting 1/4 moa.Pretty excited this is my first stock build, so was glad to see it was doing its part. Still being finished hence the gloves curly maple/cambodian ebony with my own design for a cheek piece, adjustment screws are out.

 

[jonbearman]

What caliber and what model 70 do you have,feather weight,standard etc. If you cut up a 1939 rifle you might as well burn piles of hundred dollar bills on your front lawn.This is a collector.If you can get it right you could keep it or resell it and make enough money to build a custom gun.These early guns command a premieum over newr pre 64's.Have it appraised by someone who doesnt want to buy it for himself. I hope this helps.

 

[wapiti25]

If you restock, the tang is different from the post war M70. The pre war has a clover leaf tang that has to be inletted. I recomend some clearance to the rear so you don't chip the stock on recoil. I built a NRA high power course rifle using a pre-war M70 and still have it. Good luck