Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

[Mattrmvpd]

Ok.. I am trying to get a REAL estimated value of this rifle.

Here is what I know:

-Its a (5) digit Winchester M70 in 308.
-Serial # dates it to 1941 ish..
-Obviously the was NOT developed till 1950... So it was rebarreled around then.
-It wears the 25 1/4 HEAVY barrel *ONLY mark is the stamped .308 marking in small numbers near reciever.
-Factory drilled FRONT/REAR for sights
-Has the sights pictured as well as REDFIELD Olympics (3 Sets)
-Factory clip slotted under the attachment at the rear
-Base was added by me.....
-Stock obviously NOT original but is 4 way adjustable Tubb.
-Blind Mag Fed.
-FINISH IS 99% and was redone BUT is EXTREMELY NEW looking.

*Let me know what you think....

Thanks,
Matt (LEO SOUTH GA.)

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

I think this rifle was on the site recently. I have seen it before. The other post was about re finishing it, I think.
It is a 70 action so that is 400-500 value in any decent condition. Offhand target stock has some value but little appeal. Hard sell. 100?? Sight with bubble level, not a big seller either, but must be worth something. 50? Barrel, good bore? If so 100 or so. It will likely sell fairly quickly in the 500-650 range. It might bring more to an across the course shooter, but they all use AR's now so not much market on that. If you put a scope on it and it shoots .5 moa or better it could be put in a tactical stock and would make a great rifle. JMO

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

Last pre-64 action I sold that was drilled and tapped like yours I let go for $300. That should help you address the pre-64 nature of your particular rifle.

Once you get past the fact that is is not an original condition unmolested pre-64 complete rifle, it all comes down to the applicability of its current condition/state to the type of competition it was designed for.

The stock is non-adjustable cheek; the chambering is obsolete for across the course shooting; the sights are run of the mill; the barrel life/round count is unknown.

If I were you I'd take $700 for it with a smile on my face all the way to the bank.

 

[cattle buyer]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

Hi Matt, nice gun. Do you have any idea how it shoots ? No bottom mertal? I think it would do 700 tops like its set up with no known history. If its a real shooter I would like to have it, put it in a nice factory target or sporter stock, lose the extra iron sights, find a redfield jr base, mount a good scope and enjoy at range or bang- floping whitetails. My 2 C very best

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

Thanks Guys,

Yes the rifle was on here before... Just was seeing the ball park prices for something like this..

The Sights are ENGLAND Match and there are (2) sets of Redfield Olympics. ALL have extra bases and mounts.

The rifle is a TACK DRIVER with 175 Black Hills... But I cant stretch is as my eyes SUCK with iron sights past 100 for accuracy.

I have been tring to find a base for it but have had NO luck at all due to there being several different versions..

I have a builder that will be looking at it next week to get the right base on it.

I am thinking the same as Cattle Buyer and scoping it... playing around with it from time to time..

Thanks
Matt

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

Yea most likely if you want to put a one piece base on it the base will need to be made custom to match the spacing of the screws as they are not factory holes.

The rear sight in the pic is an RPA Trakker, the front a Tompkins. You could probably get $200 total for that sight set sold separately.

The other sights would be a good option for someone trying to do an M24 quasi clone build. The M70 and M700 receivers use the same type of side mount base (Redfield style), so the rear bases if standard screw placement would also work for an M24 quasi clone. $175 for both front and rear sights along with the bases would make a great package for the M24 builder.

Hey here is a thought - load up some ammo (110s or 125s for 200 yards) and go shoot an NRA 80 shot XC match with it! Get a better handstop first though. The one on it is from a Versa-Pod. You'll need to figure out which strippers work with it. Try both 1903 and M14 strippers with it and see what works.

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: Need Help w/ Value - 1940's M70

FYI, thats not an "offhand" stock, its an "across the course" stock as that rifle was set up for XTC high power use, probably back in the 70s-80s, etc. leo is right, that "england" sight is actually an RPA Trakker, an older one to boot. THe 18mm front sight is old news nowadays with the 30mms out and cornering the market.

I would do just what Leo suggested, take that puppy out and shoot some XTC matches with it. You will be shocked just how good you can shoot with iron sights and a fairly accurate rifle!

Cool rifle, now go put it to use!

John