Pre64 vs new Winchester Model 70 build

[craig55]

I’m wanting a 7x57 on a controlled round feed Winchester. I can get an older pre-64 rifle and rebarrel or get a new made in Portugal Model 70 and rebarrel. What would you do, and why? Price would be similar. New model isn’t available in 7x57. I know I could get a 7-08 and be done, but I want a 7x 57!

 

[drover]

Assuming it is for a hunting rifle I would take the pre-64 because of the open trigger design.

drover

 

[craig55]

Thanks!! Do you think the trigger out ways the one piece vs 2 piece bottom metal?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You can use one piece bottom metal

 

[craig55]

I know one piece metal is available, but at a cost. It’s standard on the new model. Is the new action better (machining,metallurgy, etc)? Thanks for your replies. I respect the info available on this site. Craig

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Actually one piece metal is cheaper than the 2 piece or a remington setup. You wouldnt have to go search out the pre64 supergrade one piece to get it- the current and push feed plus the aftermarket ones all fit

 

[craig55]

Actually one piece metal is cheaper than the 2 piece or a remington setup. You wouldnt have to go search out the pre64 supergrade one piece to get it- the current and push feed plus the aftermarket ones all fit

Thanks for the info. I have a lot of information to gather before I decide.

 

[LCazador]

Why Winchester action? Especially newer push feed action. Remington or clone is the #1 for hunting or target!!

 

[craig55]

May not be a rational decision, but I have always liked the Winchester. I know the push feed has taken over the world. I’m just sentimental I guess!

 

[matthias]

Could always get a ruger

 

[craig55]

Ruger isn’t an option for me. Thanks though.

 

[craig55]

I kind of thought I might have had some input on the quality of the newer action!
Anybody want to give their input?
Thanks again, Craig

 

[JOHN R FEYEREISN]

Does anyone make a clone model 70 action? A custom or better one? It seems to me like a shame to buy either a classic or brand new gun and throw away some of the parts you paid for and buy the gun twice. Or in order to save from buying a barrel blank can you re chamber a 7-08?

 

[buckhunter62]

If you want a pre 64 model 70 type rifle buy a Dakota. You cant get it in any thing you like.

 

[SBS]

Something to consider; the FN made rifles threads are metric, including the barrel threads. I second the belief that an open trigger is the best for a hunting rifle -- simple, rugged and no box for trash/gummy oils to collect in. While some see no value in a controlled feed action, feeding and extraction is more reliable and most controlled feed actions have positive mechanical ejection, not a spring loaded plunger that sometimes gets stuck. All these are important when on a hunt a long way from home, once in a lifetime hunt or hunting dangerous game (don't snicker, Karamojo Bell used the 7x57 for elephants! Probably not to be recommended for the faint of heart). Another consideration is the integral feed rails of the pre-64 actions. They don't wear out or get bent. The current "Classic" style of Mod. 70 does not have them and relies on the shape of the top of the magazine box being bent correctly to feed the rounds. Not near as permanent as the machined feed rails of the pre-64 (just like those in the '03 Springfield and 98 Mausers). I'd use a pre'64; lots of old beaters around and occasionally an action. The 2 pc. t/g is not really a hindrance and 1 pc., if wanted, are not all that expensive. Plus you could sell the pre'64 (steel) bottom metal for more than enough to buy a 1 pc. BTW, if the cost of a 1 pc. t/g is too much additional, you would likely not be interested in a Dakota action.

 

[craig55]

SBS, thanks for your input. This is what I have been thinking all along. I’m convinced that I need to find a pre-64 and proceed. Dakota doesn’t appeal to me at all. Thanks for all the help. Please keep it coming. I can get too much info!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Defiance and a mausingfield are both nice controlled feed actions. You can get a cz or dakota in the same style as a 70. Trying to build a gun on an actual pre64 winchester would probably be more expensive then youll get a winchester in the end.

 

[Drop Port]

If I was spending your money for you I would get Reto Buehler to build it on a GMA.

 

[craig55]

No doubt GMA’s are great, but not really interested in a magnum action that they are known for. Winchester speaks to me! I’m just old school!

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

the suggestions made RE a different action than the OM 70 would require the poster to take up a collection here similar for ms Hamilton to afford. Hunting grade OM 70's are widely available for less than $900, and are the best of the options listed unless someone else is paying for it. The basic reason push-feed actions exist today is because they are cheap(er) to manufacture than true CRF ones.

Dusty, et al,
I have a clean hunting grade one in 30-06 that would cost the poster less than $900 delivered. He would then need only a rebarrel to go hunt with, or use this one for a season.

Rich