How much is this Winchester Model 70 worth?

[ejohne]

I saw tonight at a show a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 with a serial number said to be the very first day of production. It was accompanied by a three page written letter by a man said to be a well-known expert whom I believe was from the State of Texas. The letter described the rifle in great detail. The metal and stock were said to be in unusually excellent condition of the rifle of this age. There were Lyman sights. The rifle was said to be original except for a rubber recoil pad added at a later date, and the letter stated that the pad did not affect the collectability of the rifle. I was offered the rifle for $1,800. I don't have a pre-64 model 70 and have been looking for a collectable one. However, the recoil pad bothers me, I would think it would affect its value and collectability. I would appreciate the forums comments.
Thanks,
John

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'm no Winchester Model 70 expert

but if the stock was not cut or trimmed for the recoil pad, it would be a matter of finding another butt plate and attaching it in lieu of the recoil pad.

 

[ejohne]

Yes, Gary. What should be the distance between the trigger and the end of the stock? (Length of pull, right?)

 

[Wildalaska]

Gary, that vintage Winchester would have had a metal buttplate fitted to the stock. Putting a recoil pad on it would have eliminated the inletting for the butt plate..

John that rifle is about $900-1000 too high.....IMHO....

Wildstudiespre64sAlaska

 

[ejohne]

Thank you, that is very helpful to me and my wallet!