Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Pre-War

[Clyde from Carolina]

Hello All,

I just bought a Pre-64 Model 70 in 30-06 made in 1938 on one of the online auctions. The rifle has its matching bolt, but the safety was "upgraded" at some point to a standard three position type. The rifle appears to have been fairly tastefully re-blued at some point- it doesn't have a blindingly glossy modern blue- and the stock refinished also. The bolt handle looks to have been sculpted a bit for scope clearance and the rear receiver bridge was drilled and tapped for scope mounting also. Perfect collector gun it ain't, but I paid a shootin' price and not a collector price, so I'm happy so far.

Now I'm wondering what to do about a scope. Should I go classic vintage Lyman Alaskan or something like that? I am leaning that way. I have also considered shopping around for a flag safety, as that just seems so much a part of the pre-war 70's charm. I also recall reading in a gun article one time an author preferred the pre-war flag safety because it couldn't be accidently engaged.

I think it would be fun to go afield with something so classic and at the same time not have to worry too much about the "collector value" of the piece.

Any input on safety and scope issues are appreciated.

 

[3sixbits]

You are right about "not collectible" Only because of the rear bridge being drilled and tapped.

As to the safety. Many years ago, a Colorado gunsmith by the mane of Tilden made a safety for the model 54/70. Much like the one shown in your pictures. Eventually WINCHESTER bought Tildens safeties and would install them at the factory at the customers request. I have one of the original Tilden safeties NIB. Later on in the transition rifles you see the Tilden type safety without the marks "safe" and "fire".

Your question about finding and old scope makes me ask, what are you trying to do with this lower value "non-collectible"? Are you going to hunt with this rifle?

When ever I get a non-collectible model 70. I start selling every thing on the rifle and keep the action for a custom build. That large panel checkering stock is worth a couple of hundred, the barrel if it is really in good condition will bring a hundred. Now you have and affordable action to build a great serviceable custom rifle from.

Next we can do a full restoration of the rifle you now have, not cheap when done by the right people, but doable. Then comes the question, will I ever see a pay back? Probably not. The problem is the fact that the .30 Government, .30-06, is the most common chambering does not help your cause.

 

[Tyris]

Can someone explain the difference between pre-64 and modern?
Why is one better, and why do people fuss over it instead of going to a better manufacturer?

-T

 

[HB]

Receiver Sight!

 

[Clyde from Carolina]

Tyris,

If you do a google search and even one here, you should find plenty to read about the pre-64 Winchester 70s. They were considered the best out of the box hunting rifle by many smart cookies from 1936 until the major design change in 1964. Just a good combination of features, performance and looks. I think they are still talked about and revered so much partly due to nostalgia and also because they were and are darned good rifles.

HB,

That's a thought, and would work well on the rifle. Hmmm.


3sixbits,

Interesting point about the Tilden safety. I'll post a slightly better pic of the safety. I don't have the rifle in my hands yet, but when I do I will make the determination about what to do or not do as far as restoration or custom work. I am loathe to change out the barrel if it still has life left in it, but a nice custom stock in the classic style might be an option. I have also considered having it professionally restored by one of the good ones if the "bones" are good.

As you pointed out that isn't probably a financially smart move, but a pre-war 70 is a special gun and one of the few I would be tempted to spend that kind of money on. You asked what I want to use it for, and mostly it will probably lean in a corner of the room and be gazed at by me while sipping my morning coffee or typing out lines on the laptop. I would like to use it for some whitetail hunting this year. Maybe take it out west for some REAL hunting later. Grin.

 

[lefteyedom]

Find a an old weaver fixed 4 power . OR a rear peep sight.

If it shoots well hunt with it.

 

[model70man]

Pre-War Model 70

I think your rifle has a Tilden safety also. I have one on a pre-war Swift and it looks identical to yours. This is my opinion only, for what that is worth, but if it were my rifle I would not change a thing on it. It has the finer checkering (LPI) than the post war stocks and it has a little more hand work also. I would compare building a new rifle like you have to buying a Dakota 76 today. An older El Paso Weaver or a Lyman Alaskan would look great on it. I have older scopes on most of my pre-64 Model 70s but to be honest, at 60 years old, if I bought a scope for one of my rifles now it would be the latest Leupold VX-III because I now need all the help I can get in the vision department. IMO, relax and enjoy what a treasure you have. Thanks...

 

[Horsemany]

Can someone explain the difference between pre-64 and modern?
Why is one better, and why do people fuss over it instead of going to a better manufacturer?

There isn't a better manufacturer IMO. These guns (especially early M70's) were hand built, hand checkered, hand lapped, etc. You have to handle an older pre 64 to really see and feel the difference. THey feel heavy in all the right places and nothing was done easy. Modern gun designs are based on ease of production while functionality, durabilty, and fit n finish take a back seat.

Mine's a 1950 Supergrade in the box with paperwork. It's a thing of beauty.

 

[freonr22]

first post! I have a 1930 model 54 in 30-06 w/ a stainless barrel

and put a one piece redfield jr base on it (was already drilled 1 hole in the bridge) and a redfield 4-12 ao older scope, I am looking for a swing safety as in this configuration, the safety doesnt operate. also curious if there are any aftermarket triggers that would fit? Thanks for your time and what a great site!

paul

 

[Clyde from Carolina]

Hi Paul,

Sounds like a nice Model 54 you have there. I don't know much about them, and you might want to post a new thread titled something like "Model 54 Questions" to get full attention for your queries. Good luck and wish I could help.

Clyde

 

[freonr22]

thank you i shall/did

thanks for the input