Winchester M70 Barrel Swap

[spencerhut]

I got a free M70 in 25-06. It's in rough shape, the stock has been hacked and some moron cut the barrel down to the legal minimum with a hacksaw. The trigger is nice and the action seems to be in very good condition. I'd like to swap the barrel out to something else, not sure what. . . How hard is it to swap a barrel on a M70?

Thanks,

Spencer

 

[Coltdriver]

It is not particularly hard to do, but it is almost always beyond the ability of an individual who is not a gunsmith.

There is usually a special fitting to put the receiver into so that it is not destroyed when you put another special tool on the barrel and remove it.

Putting a replacement barrel on also means getting the headspace right. That usually involves more gunsmith skills and usually some machining.

You can send it off and get a pretty decent barrel mounted on it for about $500.00. You may be able to find a used servicable barrel at a gunshow for a reasonable sum but you will still have to have it professionally mounted. If the headspace is too great then an additional thread needs to be cut. If you have a local smith take it over and ask what it would cost to get a barrel mounted.

Depending on what year your receiver is this may be a worthwhile pursuit. I have seen lots of stocks for model 70's at gun shows for $50 to $75. The trick is to figure out exactly which year of receiver you have as the stocks do vary between some years.

You have to make a judgement call here. There is a high and a low dollar amount that you will spend getting to a working rifle. It may easily be the case that you will spend more than the cost of a new rifle. It may also easily be the case that you can create something unique and of a greater value to you.

 

[hoghunting]

Contact www.ershawbarrels.com They make very good barrels and also install barrels. You can get it done for $200-$250.

 

[spencerhut]

Good link! Thanks . . .