Model 70 Winchesters

[marvet13]

I have two Model 70 Winchesters. One is a 1950 and the other was made in 1963. How are these different in say value and or construction and what makes them different form 1964 and above.-Thanks

 

[Maverick223]

They use a Mauser designed claw extractor with CRF. They are very robust, reliable, and accurate (used in Vietnam for a sniper rifle)...although the new models made in SC have similar features, but no word on accuracy yet.

 

[marvet13]

Marvet13

Thank you maverick . I appreciate the info. Knew they were used in Nam but not the reason so popular. Is the 1963 just as good as the 1950?

 

[Maverick223]

Is the 1963 just as good as the 1950?

As far as I know it is [about identical], but I am no expert on older M70s. I figure someone else will chime in that can fill in the details. Oh and welcome to THR!

 

[jim in Anchorage]

No. the 1950 is the better rifle.

 

[Horsemany]

No. the 1950 is the better rifle

Right again Jim. The 1950 has larger portions of checkering and it will often be better done. The stock is usually the deeper red color Winny collectors seek. The front sight is machined from the barrel blank. Your 63' it is brazed on. The polish on the blued parts will be slightly better on the 50' model too. The 1950 will have a steel butt plate with the "widow's peak" mortised into the top edge. The 63' will have a plastic plate.

From 59' to 63' are identical rifles. These are the least desireable of pre-64's and many collectors don't seek them out.

You can break pre 64's into 4 categories of interest.
1.Pre war---1936-1946
2.Transition---1947-1952
3.Post transition---1953-1958
4.Late production lowest quality---1959-1963

Every category has small differences in parts and quality.

 

[Gordon]

Look at the bolt. See the 1950 gun has a solid ball? That bolt is forged one piece. The later guns had a hollow ball knob. The bolt handle is braized to the bolt body. Both pieces are forged and they are not know to separate as other makes with two piece (or more) bolts do. Also 1953 and earlier guns are said to have a better interior polish on the parts,they sure are slick! They say the checkering was better before 1955 but otherwise the guns are the same from after the 1949 "transition" safety to 1963 !/2 .

 

[Sav .250]

Don`t let those puppies out of your sight. Both Pre-64......

 

[shaggy430]

Those rifles are horrible. You should let me do you a favor and take both of them off your hands.

 

[marvet13]

Thanks to all. Both are very nice condition. the newer of the two has recoil pad, Probably aftermarket. Older one just slightly heavier. Stocks look about the same. I looked and everything you troops came up with is there. Thanks so much for the info. Glad to be on board.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

By the way, what calibers?