Glad I did NOT buy that Pre-64 Model 70

[bushmaster1313]

Because I do not have a high power rifle other than my semi-auto .223, I bid on a Pre-64 Model 70.

My low end bid lost by about $150 dollars.

I'm glad. After the auction I went to look at a pre-64 Model 70 at a gun store.

Lovely gun, but I shoot lefty and when I opened the bolt I tore some skin from my left hand.

I think I will limit my search to Ruger No. 1's, Remington 760's, the Savage 99's and the Marlin lever guns

 

[stan rose]

Ruger, Remington, and Savage, all make left hand bolts. Between my brother, and some of our friends I know somebody with each. While I would prefer the Ruger for its control round feeding, all of them are in love with my brother's Remington 700.

 

[dirtyjim]

what exactly tore the skin from your hand?
i know several leftys who shoot right handed rifles, some of them pre-64's & they don't have any problems ripping skin off their hands

 

[win71]

Dang Bush..............

You should write headlines for the newspaper!!

Any, you made the right decision. Stick with the simpler actions and you won't get hurt.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Don't be afraid to check a Winchester 1885 Highwall. Its ambidextorous.

 

[Tirod]

The pre '64 is a cult item bid up by those who think expensive hand fitted parts are better than holding production tolerances to spec. They prefer high labor costs and expensive machining when a simpler part could have been made and even be more serviceable.

Frankly, the gun buyers of the day wouldn't pay for the higher costs of a pre '64, and Winchester was starving. It was either redesign or close the doors. A lot of the higher collector value these days is really hypocrisy, the newer guns shoot just as well, and sold in higher quantities. The public buys on price, and bought more of the cheaper guns. Winchester stayed in business, and the deer didn't notice they were any deader.

You lucked out, didn't have to pay the admission fee to the pre-64 club, and now get to shop for a gun with the bolt on the correct side for your shooting. Stick with that, and don't compromise. You will get better value for the money.

 

[joed]

Tirod, well put. I've looked at pre 64 model 70's and just laugh at the price. I would never buy one. I have however owned a few of the later models. The newer models to me are every bit as nice as a Remington 700. My favorite model 70 is a Stealth that I purchased when I heard they were closing the factory. Don't think I could part with this one, built better then any of the Remingtons I own.

 

[kaferhaus]

the newer guns shoot just as well, and sold in higher quantities.

Actually the newer rifles shoot far better than the average Pre-64 ever did.

The workmanship on them is very very good. But functionally they're not superior to most of what's on the market today for a small fraction of the cost.

I have several pre-64s and they're fine rifles. I've owned them all over 30yrs, have no interest in selling them but I'd not buy one at near today's prices. Way over priced and there's nothing scarce about them.... they did make a whole bunch of em....LOL

 

[supercalvin56]

I beg to differ. I own currently own 3 pre-64 model 70s and have owned many others over the years. I have bought them, enjoyed them, and always sold them for more then I paid for them. Try doing that with a current model. My favorite deer rifle is a Model 70 Featherweight 270 from 1960. It shoots my handloads into tiny little groups averaging under 3/4". It is light to carry, ultra reliable and has a nostalgia factor that no current rifle can provide. Pre-64 model 70's have developed a cult following for a reason.

 

[Gordon]

I'm glad you didn't get the Pre 64 Model 70 either. More for me and my friends. They have'nt been made in almost 50 years you know!
I just got a like new 1957 .243 Featherweight for a grand. Want to bet it is accurate? I haven't shot it yet. I will always be able to recoup my investment if I don't bugger it up. Try that with your Savage!
Have you tried a left handled bolt gun yet? They are out there.

 

[GunTech]

I've owned and shot number of M70s over the years, from pre-64 to 'classic' to FN produced guns. I have not yet tries the newest Winchester branded guns, because I think the none mistake they made was changing the trigger. But the SC made FN actions are the best ever produced IMO. As Tirod pointed out, there is no contest between hand fitted and manufactured to spec via CNC.

If you want the best M70 and the old style trigger, find a FN made Patrol XP rifle or action for your build.