Winchester Model 70 stock question

[Fire1]

I have a Model 70 that I dropped a few years back and cracked the stock. I slipped on some wet rocks while hunting. I was so mad! Anyway, I glued and pinned it and it works fine, but I've always wanted to replace the stock with something nicer. The rifle in question is a late 70's/early 80's pre USRA XTR in .25-06. It was the first rifle that was "mine" after my dad gave it to me.

While looking through the CDNN catalog today, I noticed they have some pretty nice factory stocks, but the one I want is listed as only fitting 2002 and later rifles. So far the reading I have done seems to indicate the the only difference the bottom metal, is that right? My rifle has a blind mag, hence no bottom metal all besides the trigger guard.

Can I buy a post 2002 hinged floor plate and trigger guard, and make my rifle work with this stock?

 

[orphanedcowboy]

As long as it is long action, hate to say it but have you checked ebay? From time to time there are some nice XTR stocks on there.

You will also need the mag box and follower and spring from a bottom metal stock as well.

 

[lowerunit411]

i see some decent stocks on gunbroker...worth a look

 

[rcmodel]

Here is some good info on the differences:
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Classic-Replacement-Stocks-Winchester-Model-70-s/20.htm

rc

 

[Fire1]

I guess the one thing I haven't been able to verify yet is that the only difference in the stocks for 2002 or later is that they are inletted for the one piece bottom metal. Can anyone speak to that?

If that is the case, then it would seem that I could buy the post 2002 stock, a one piece bottom metal part (and mag box, spring and follower?), and it would all work together with my rifle. Am I missing anything?

This is all revolving around the Grade II/III Fancy Walnut stock they have at CDNN. I didn't find anything like that for the price on ebay or gunbroker.

 

[jmr40]

Bottom metal is the only difference and you can make them work on your rifle 2 different ways. I have 2 McMillan stocks made for new production rifles on older guns. I used 2 flat washers between the floorplate and stock like this.

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-template/winchester_70_bell_carlson_7775_7776/Page

You can also order an adapter from cdnn for about $10.

The method I used works better than the plastic spacer in my opinion.

Buying new bottom metal is an option, but will run you around $200

 

[Fire1]

Ok, thanks. Yeah, I was a bit surprised at how much new bottom metal costs! But, I don't really have a choice. They rifle doesn't have any now, it's a blind mag, so I'll have to buy something to convert it. That might be something to find later on ebay or gunbroker.

 

[Oldtrader3]

All of the newer (Browning) Winchester stocks are inletted for one piece bottom metal. You can use the USRAC type 2-piece bottom metal with a 1-piece stock but you will need to buy a spacer in order to make everything work correctly. I just finished putting anew walnut Browning Model 70 stock on my USRAC rifle (long action) and it went together with no drama. I sold my 2-peice bottom metal and bought the 1-piece for use with the new stock. The Matte blue Williams bottom metal costs about $170 but it is steel and is high quality stuff. The rifle came out really well with the new stock.

 

[jmr40]

Cheaper to just trade guns. By the time you buy another stock and bottom metal, you'll have more money in the conversion than the gun is worth.

Either sell it to finance a gun set up like you want, or just keep it as is.

 

[Fire1]

Sell a gun?!? That's crazy talk! Especially when it comes to one of my Winchesters!

This is one of those cases where it isn't so much about the value of the gun when I'm done with it. Well, the value to me doesn't have a dollar amount anyway. I would keep it the way it was if I hadn't cracked the stock. But since it needs a little refurb, I might as well make it nicer and configured how I would rather have it.

 

[jmr40]

A competent gunsmith can repair a cracked stock and refinish it for a lot less. I'd probably also consider a metal refinish at the same time. At least look into it.