Win Model 70 ... what are these holes for in the stock?

[agdodge4x4]

It just occurred to me that these holes in my stock are...unusual. This is a 1964 Winchested Model 70. It does have a recoil pad, but I assume it was installed aftermarket. Are these holes 'factory'?

What are they for?

 

[Jim Watson]

To reduce weight by a few ounces of walnut.
Is the rifle a Featherweight model?

 

[wyohome]

I would think that would reduce stress in the wood, maybe prevent cracking.

 

[jmr40]

Weight reduction and for proper balance.

 

[BigN]

You can also put counter-balance weights in those holes to balance the weight of the rifle.

 

[jogar80]

Looks like the holes made to install a recoil reducer, such as an Edwards Recoil Reducer. I have one in a browning Xbolt. Some people also just put lead in ther to add weight.

 

[agdodge4x4]

Interesting. Its not a featherweight. I used them as a place to steal a splinter of wood for a fore end repair on it.

 

[brnmw]

I am not a gun Mftr. expert but that could have also been used to smuggle drugs!
Who would even think to look inside the butt of an old M70 rifle attached to a good 'ol boy!
Sorry I used to work in the music buisiness and I have seen some interesting things in my time!

Seriously though I would imagine it's a weight and balance issue.

And yes I do kind of like these "smilies" Icon's...

 

[desidog]

^ That reminds me of the time i was at a gun show and was looking over an Enfield. The seller said he'd been all over the rifle. Good headspace. I flipped open the door in the butt to see if the cleaning kit was still there, and a very old, dry joint fell out with an old rusty lighter on the guy's table. I mean, it could have been a cigarette... we both stared at it for a long moment and he whisked it off the table and into the trash.

...not the head space i was in the market for!

/sorry for the digression.

 

[jogar80]

^ That reminds me of the time i was at a gun show and was looking over an Enfield. The seller said he'd been all over the rifle. Good headspace. I flipped open the door in the butt to see if the cleaning kit was still there, and a very old, dry joint fell out with an old rusty lighter on the guy's table. I mean, it could have been a cigarette... we both stared at it for a long moment and he whisked it off the table and into the trash.

...not the head space i was in the market for!

/sorry for the digression.

Ha!!^^... good story!!! I would have bought it, joint and all.... and leave it in the butt. Perfect story pieces right there!

 

[greyling22]

You put your weed in there.

(from a snl skit, as seen here: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/989437/ )

 

[jmr40]

I've seen similar holes from the factory to reduce weight and move the balance more to the forend. I cannot imgine wanting to add weight to the butt unless it had a very long heavy barrel and needed extra weight in the rear for balance. Most folks shoot better with weight slightly toward the front.

 

[gamestalker]

Jogar 80 is on the right track here and said it before I could. Those are very likely and most deffnitely for mercury tubes. Those tubes will reduce about 30% of felt recoil when properly installed.

GS

 

[brnmw]

^ That reminds me of the time i was at a gun show and was looking over an Enfield. The seller said he'd been all over the rifle. Good headspace. I flipped open the door in the butt to see if the cleaning kit was still there, and a very old, dry joint fell out with an old rusty lighter on the guy's table. I mean, it could have been a cigarette... we both stared at it for a long moment and he whisked it off the table and into the trash.

...not the head space i was in the market for!

Yup! Many places cops could look for in music equipment too they just don't think about it at the time.... I helped a friend of mine out that was a rookie cop at the time, by the end of me spilling the beans on some of the hiding spots he had a deer in headlights look and said "Holy... I never would have thought about that!" (Like I said work with Rock 'n' Roll Musicians... you learn a few things.)

 

[Slamfire]

You can put your last will and testiment in there.

According to a bud who worked down at Anniston, they would occasionally come across such things in the butt stocks of Garands.

 

[jogar80]

I cannot imgine wanting to add weight to the butt unless it had a very long heavy barrel and needed extra weight in the rear for balance. Most folks shoot better with weight slightly toward the front.

The weight removed by those holes is pretty insignificant. I agree that a forward weight bias feels better, but the weight added to the butt has nothing to do with balance. It's simply making a rifle heavier to tame recoil. Thats is if it's just pure weight. In the case of a recoil reducer, not only do they add weight, but the inertia of the contents (e.g. mercury) work to counteract the rearward movement of the rifle.

 

[sage5907]

If you go to page 52 of Dean Whitaker's book on the Model 70 you will see the picture of a stock with the same features. The following quote is taken from the book: "A typical "Featherweight" butt stock, viewed end-on. Note the two(2) holes placed to reduce weight. It should be noted that, on occasion, a "Standard" weight rifle stock will be found with the holes also, although it isn't common." The holes were put in the stock at the factory by Winchester. Shooter

 

[jogar80]

If you go to page 52 of Dean Whitaker's book.......

Oooohh..... well he obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.... LOL

 

[agdodge4x4]

huh...thats cool. This rifle is a 7003XX serial. Guess it was one of the standards with the holes. Very cool information!