Author Topic: Need Advice on "Pre-64" M70 Stock  (Read 154 times)

Offline Belisarius

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Need Advice on "Pre-64" M70 Stock
« on: August 29, 2024, 12:04:17 PM »
Hey, folks. I just bought a rifle stock at auction, and I'm simply not that familiar with Winchester Model 70 furniture. Need some advice from the brain trust.

I was told this stock is a "Pre-64 Model 70 stock", originally a "featherweight stock" but with the "barrel channel...opened up for a bull barrel so it will fit most any contour you have" and "glass bedded to add a little strength", "sports a beautiful finish and professionally sharpened up checkering". (I assume this means the stock was totally refinished at some point? I'm not familiar enough with pre vs post-64 finishes to tell by looking at it.) The seller also clearly stated the stock had been shortened for a smaller shooter, and you can clearly see that in the images (I'm no stock-building expert, but it looks like a rough and ready job, though I believe it can be corrected).

FYI, I planned to use this as a replacement stock for a custom build, so I'm not at all concerned about collector's value, only compatibility with a .300 H&H action and bull barrel contour. Before bidding I asked the seller about compatibility with the .300 H&H receiver, and they stated it would "work for any cal[iber]".

Is this legit, or did I get taken for a ride? I can take measurements with my calipers if that would be more helpful (assuming someone can provide me with some direction on which dimensions are relevant).

Have uploaded several photos and a short video clip to a shared Google Drive folder, if anyone has a moment to take a look and provide some feedback:   

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19K7R7VdGjftMKkvvrgSGCWHsGuaDpK15?usp=sharing

Grateful for any advice you might have!

~Belisarius

Offline Fjold

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Re: Need Advice on "Pre-64" M70 Stock
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2024, 02:27:31 PM »
All the pre-64 actions are the same size from 222, 375 H&H.  They just grind the bottom opening and ejection port larger for the longest cartridges and put a block in the magazine well for the shorter cartridges.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2024, 02:35:42 PM by Fjold »
Frank

"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."

Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953

Offline Belisarius

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Re: Need Advice on "Pre-64" M70 Stock
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2024, 01:49:30 PM »
Thank you! Appreciate the info.

My ongoing concern with this particular stock is the barrel channel. I think I'm going to return it. Worried that modifying the already slender channel for this enormous 28" bull barrel simply wouldn't leave sufficient material to properly support it and the action. The barrel looks absurdly huge when (crudely) positioned beside the sporter/featherweight stock:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jY3RdSaNF_uMrJTFpsXKyv6w-n164p_8/view?usp=sharing

:o


~Belisarius