Winchester Model 70

[RWMC]

I just bought a much used, working gun catagory, Model 70 in .30-06. It was made in late 1972 and is a pre - "us repeating arms" rifle. I paid $200 for it. It has 2 small screws on the left side of the receiver that are around a 1/2" apart. They are located right on the wood line towards the back of the receiver. What are they for? They are holding nothing in place and appear to be factory. Thanks for any help.

 

[Chawbaccer]

In days past, it was as common for guns to be drilled and tapped for a receiver (peep sight) sight as it is for them to be drilled and tapped for a scope now a days. The screws in the holes are keeper screws so the holes don't get messed up. You would have to make a cut in the stock a bit if you were to attach a receiver sight

 

[Art Eatman]

From a "just-a-shooter's" standpoint, the post-64 Model 70s regularly had better-quality barrels than the earlier rifles. Technology in barrel making...

Art

 

[landon74]

I've got a post 64 Model 70 in .308, I know there's supposed to be a difference in quality, but mine shoots about 3/4" at a hundred yards.....

 

[Art Eatman]

After '64 they went to rolled instead of stamped checkering and the external finish wasn't quite as polished. The safety was changed and they went from claw feed to push feed. I disremember if this was all in '65 or over a longer period...

Accuracy? No problem. I had a '65 Model 70 in .264 WinMag that was a tack-driver.

Art

 

[Sunray]

"...I paid $200 for it..." You bandit you. Nice rifle. But listen to Chawbaccer. The wee screws are for iron receiver sights. Smile and gloat a lot but leave 'em be and forget about them.

 

[Lone Star]

Art-

Before 1964 and after 1972, the checkering was cut. The impressed checkering, in at least two patterns, was from 1964-1972, and in cheaper versions, like the 670 and 770 after.

Although I admire the old M70's in Super Grade, I frankly feel that present M70's are the best ever. The "claw" extractor, of course, has long since been restored.

Lone Star