Winchester Model 70A push feed, 1970's era firing pin work

[JackWagon]

I picked up a model 70 a few years ago kind of a basket case. Everything is done except I had to replace the breech bolt sleeve as Bubba was "working" on it. Looks like I need some firing pin work as the safety will not engage now. This is the model that has a cap on the end.

Talked to a smith who said I only need the complete bolt to set the cut on the firing pin so I sent it. They said 6 weeks tops, after two months I call and now they say they need the entire action. It bothers me I had to call them when seem typical of most smiths so I'm already feeling screwed around. I told them to send the bolt back to me and do not touch it.

Who is a reliable smith that can get this done right? It took me two years to find a breech bolt at a reasonable cost and thankfully the firing pin cut is to short rather than to long.

 

[SBS]

Any good riflesmith should be able to adjust it, and they will need the action with trigger. It's a common thing with Model 70's that have been used quite a bit -- even with factory matching bolts because they wear. Same thing with pre-64's since the safeties work the same way with pulling the firing pin/cocking piece back and out of engagement with the sear.

 

[JackWagon]

Thank you, it's understandable they would need the action what grinds my gears is they said it was not needed until after it sat for two months in the shop.

I'm going to ruffle a few feathers when I say I do not trust most smiths as most seem to be either FOS or butchers. This is why I'm asking who is a good, reliable smith? If I said the name of this place everyone would know them but I'm already feeling screwed around and it always goes downhill from there.

 

[kendog]

If you need one, I have a NOS Winchester firing pin for that particular model. These came unfit as field service depot replacement parts.
Also check out Brownells Gunsmith Kinks Vol III Page 303 for how to properly set up the fire control and safety.

 

[AlNyhus]

Jim Kobe in Minnesota can get it straightened out for you. The triggers generally needs a bit of timing work to get the safety functioning correcly and safely.