Gunsmithing Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

[71firebird400]

I've been thinking about putting together a build that would emulate a pre-64 Model 70 National Match in 30-06. I would want it externally to look identical to the factory rifles (period correct) but with a trued action, bedded stock, and custom barrel (and hopefully custom-rifle accuracy). I have have several questions as this is not something I'm familiar with-

<span style="font-weight: bold">Action</span>- Obviously it needs to be a genuine pre-64 Model 70. Any preference from there or are they all about the same? It will be trued.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Barrel</span>- Does anyone have an idea of the contour on the National Match/Target rifles? It doesn't need to be exact, but I want it to be visually similar.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Stock</span>- I want it to look like the factory rifle so no need for anything extravagant. Would I be better off having someone like Chad Dixon wittle away on a nice blank or is there a more cost effective way of doing this? I've never dealt with a Walnut stock before and don't know what to expect.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Recoil Pad</span>- I've noticed a lot of the old rifles have a steel plate for a recoil pad. Honestly; this scares me a bit. Does anyone know if there is a 'period correct' pad that could be used to make the thing a bit more comfortable? I want to stay true to the original as much as a possible so I may flip-flop on this.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Bottom Metal</span>- The originals have a steel hinged floorplate. Again, I want this to look as original as possible, does anyone have an idea of where I could source the bottom metal?

<span style="font-weight: bold">Bluing</span>- I want a stellar bluing job. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[LRI]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

Build it!

I love Winnies! Its a long shot, but if you got a hold of Mid Tompkins he could prolly tell you everything you want to know regarding specifics. He lives in Prescott AZ.


Mid has forgotten more about tgt rifles than most of us will ever know.


Best of luck,

C.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

Cloward lives close to you, the work I have seen has all been stellar.

 

[dieselten]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

The original M70 National Match rifle had a standard barrel contour. That is the standard hunting weight barrel with the hump where the rear sight goes. Sounds to me like you want a "Target" or "Bull" gun. These had heavy straight taper barrels. I have the Roger Rule book and can look up the barrel contours and get back to you.

The stock is a "Marksman" stock and you can probably still find an original or get a repro from one of the wood stock suppliers.

For an action, just get a complete well used rifle. A decent action will sell for as much as a well used standard hunting rifle - and you will have all of the metal parts including magazine & floor plate.

 

[dieselten]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

from Roger Rule's book.

National Match Rifle. Light weight target rifle with standard 24" barrel.

Target Model. Medium weight target rifle with 24" or 26" medium heavy barrel. Same contour as the Varmint Rifle. Rule does not list contour specs but if memory serves the muzzles were around .750 or .800. Drilled & tapped with 2 holes for scope block and 2 holes for front sight block. Rarely they had a front sight dovetail instead of 2 holes.

Bull Gun. Heavy Target rifle with "massive 28" extra heavy barrel" (sic). 1.25" at receiver .845" at muzzle. Drilled & tapped with 2 holes for a telescope sight block. No arrangement for rear sight or forearm screw. Nearly all these barrels had a flat muzzle, very few had a counter bored muzzle (crown).

There are always exceptions due to the custom shop but all 30-06 NM, Target, & Bull Guns were clip slotted.

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

Thanks for the responses, they've given me a lot to think about. I'll need to narrow down what it is I'm exactly after s far as the stock/barrel and smaller details like sling studs, etc. For the time being I'll start looking for an appropriate donor rifle/action.

Dieselten- You're correct, I mispoke when I said National Match. What I'm really after is the Target or Bull style rifle. I am going to have to spend some more time on this as there are a lot of decisions to be made, but it sounds like 30-06 will most likely be the caliber.

One last thing; does anyone have personal experience with the Marksman style stock? Is the comb high enough to use with a scope (objective 40-50mm) or will it require a cheekpiece?

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

Here is one on an auction site-it sold in 06. I always thought these were pretty cool.

poke this

I am with Chad. Build it!

 

[dieselten]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the responses, they've given me a lot to think about. I'll need to narrow down what it is I'm exactly after s far as the stock/barrel and smaller details like sling studs, etc. For the time being I'll start looking for an appropriate donor rifle/action.

Dieselten- You're correct, I mispoke when I said National Match. What I'm really after is the Target or Bull style rifle. I am going to have to spend some more time on this as there are a lot of decisions to be made, but it sounds like 30-06 will most likely be the caliber.

One last thing; does anyone have personal experience with the Marksman style stock? Is the comb high enough to use with a scope (objective 40-50mm) or will it require a cheekpiece? </div></div>

The marksman stock is pretty high. Drop at comb is 1 9/16, drop at heel is 1 7/8. But it can not be much higher because the bolt will hit it on removal, same with all stocks without adjustable cheek pieces.

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Model 70 National Match Clone Questions

Thanks for the info guys. Well I think it's time to start looking for a suitable donor rifle. Still need to figure out how the stock and what my options are there.