Model 70 stock question- cross bolt plugs?

[Charger442]

As the title states, i come across several winchester pre and post 64 rifles that have one, and sometimes two wood plugs on the stock. Why is that? what is it for? are they really hiding cross-stock screws?

examples from the internet to show what im talking about. My model 70s do not have this plug or hole. Why was it done and was it done at the factory? one hole or both?

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[Random Guy]

Big safari cartridges like a 458 caliber likely get those cross bolts for additional strength to prevent stock splitting. Whereas little 30-06 didn’t get cross bolts in stocks, not needed due to less recoil stresses….at least that is my observation. (No idea about 1 vs 2 bolts).

 

[Charger442]

Big safari cartridges like a 458 caliber likely get those cross bolts for additional strength to prevent stock splitting. Whereas little 30-06 didn’t get cross bolts in stocks, not needed due to less recoil stresses….at least that is my observation. (No idea about 1 vs 2 bolts).

That seems to be common with the Magnum type calibers. But was unsure if there was any consistency among calibers or time periods of production

 

[pmclaine]

@pre64win

Any history to provide?

 

[Charger442]

The more I see the more I think it was post 64 from the factory on Magnum Calibers and possibly an aftermarket add to pre-64 calibers that showed cracking in the stocks

 

[SharpsNitro]

On a pre-64 cross bolts were only standard for the African Grade guns. Roger Rule’s book has information on the evolution of the number and style used on that model.

 

[USMCSGT0331]

I've owned quite a few original USMC M70 marksman stocks that were used by snipers and the shooting team, many of them have cross bolts between the trigger and magazine. The holes are pretty much always filled in with epoxy. Not every stock had cross bolts, so I'm not sure why some had them and others didn't. Maybe reinforcement for sniper/field use vs shooting team/range use? Here's stock number 48350:

 

[j-huskey]

I had a couple of marksman stocks crack and AMU repaired by crossbolts as USMCSGT describes and shows.
Stock cracking and repair was common and called the Winchester Disease in my youth.

 

[RTH1800]

On the pre '64 rifles only the African had factory cross bolts. First one then two. Any others should be viewed with extreme skepticism regarding originality. I'm not one to say never but they would be VERY unusual on a factory rifle.