Pre war model 70, what to do?

[Hookturnr]

Hey all, I have a bit of a dilemma. I have a Prewar Win. model 70 (ser#2xxxx) in 30/06. It was purchased new by my great grandfather and made its way through the family to me. The rifle has seen many a day hunting but is not in bad shape, only problem is my grandfather took a circular saw

to it in the 50's to shorten it and now it's just way too short for me.

My question is this: should I spring for an original uncut stock and go the restoration route, should I put it in a different wood stock, should I stick it in a synthetic?
The rifle shoots about 3/4MOA with off the shelf nosler ammo and runs SMOOOOOTH...its definitely not going anywhere any time soon. I just can't hunt with it without risking scopeye!

I suppose my question should be along the lines of value as well... Will I get a decent return on my investment if I go the restoration route? I'm not selling any time soon but the day will come as I have no kiddos and am the proverbial end of the line on this branch of the tree.

 

[sinister]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

I'd buy a stock that fits, that you'd be comfortable carrying out in the elements, and that keeps it accurate. Maybe an H-S.

Boyd's also carries replacements: http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Classic-Re...w=48&page=1

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

I concur. To me, the rifle's key attractions are nostalgia and utility. Restoration wouldn't appeal to me, it's not intended for any market. A stock as described above would allow it to continue in service with a more proper efficiency.

Greg

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

After market stock, get it properly bedded, and carry on. Depending on your budget, both McMillan and Manners can inlet a stock for your barreled action.

 

[Rhys]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

I say restock it, but I'd go the route of sending it off to a good stock maker, and have a nice piece of walnut put on it. Putting that rifle in fiberglass to me is like putting spinners on a Model T Ford. Ya Just Don't Do It....

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

Are you practical or nostalgic?

Re-stock with a QUALITY synthetic/composite for a good practical shooter. Stay away from "tupperware" plastic stocks.

If "here I am with my great grand dad's rifle" is in your mind, add some aesthetically pleasing spacers and/or a super-thick recoil pad to establish the correct LOP. If you decide this route, ensure the interior grain is well sealed to prevent moisture absorption if caught in the rain.

Kevin

 

[SIG700]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rhys</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I say restock it, but I'd go the route of sending it off to a good stock maker, and have a nice piece of walnut put on it. Putting that rifle in fiberglass to me is like putting spinners on a Model T Ford. Ya Just Don't Do It.... </div></div>

+1 on this! IMHO older guns deserve wood- keep it looking original. Stocks like the HS, McM, etc are great... but not for a pre-war gun (again, IMHO). Or, you know, you could just give it to... lets say the 5th responder to the thread. I'm sure he'll put it in a nice piece of black walnut and share pictures. Haha.

What ever you end up doing with it- Old gun porn always goes over well, so make sure to share pictures!

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I suppose my question should be along the lines of value as well... Will I get a decent return on my investment if I go the restoration route?</div></div>

You can't put a value on your grandfather's rifle. Find a stock you like (I would find a orginal Winchester wood stock) and put it on the rifle. Save the orginal stock with your heirlooms so you can always put it back.

For an older rifle it will be hard to do, but when I make my wife a Model 70 in 243 from one of my last actions, I found a gun shop that sold someone a Model 70 and an aftermarket stock, Leaving him with an orginal new stock I got for $50 for my wife's rifle.

I just can't fantum modifiying my grandfather's rifle. But you wont hurt anything putting on a stock you can use, saving the orginal.

 

[10generation]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

Most collectors want rifles like your model 70 in full original condition. Given that your grandfather cut the stock, it likely has little value to a collector.

That said, its a classic and a great action. The value is really greatest to you as a family heirloom and nice rifle.

Like the others have said, I'd stock it the way you would want it and plan on keeping it in the family.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

Considering the history of the rifle I would get an experienced stock guy to fit a wood spacer to increase the length of pull. I've seen if done many times and sometimes it's hard to tell the spacer from the original stock.

 

[Diablo]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

One of the things about attempting to use any aftermarket stock is that the pre-war action is slightly different at the rear from the later actions.

Dave's idea about putting the spacer on it seems like the best way to go. It may take some looking to find a section of walnut with that fine grain that the pre-war Model 70s have, but you can retain as much of your Grandfather's rifle as possible.

Or, as Jef suggests, you could have a competent custom stockmaker re-stock it with a good piece of walnut, and keep the original stock (keepsake, etc.).

IMO, having spent a lot of time behind Model 70s, the pre-war is my favorite. Strongly suggest you fix it and use it (alot), then pass it down to your son/daughter.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

If you have doubts about stock fit, talk to McMillan. They can pillar bed your rifle and I can testify that it not only fits, it's a work of art.

Greg

 

[mosin46]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

agree with dave

 

[Jmilera]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

Put it away man

 

[Hookturnr]

Re: Pre war model 70, what to do?

Well, I'm leaning toward picking up a nice walnut stock and epoxy sealing and staining to maintain the classic appearance but get it long enough to get back out in the woods.

I've got a couple customs in synthetics to play in the rain and snow with so that is not a concern. I just can't make myself put this one in fiberglass... I have been looking for an original stock for a while but haven't found any that were in good enough condition or not selling astronomically high.

This project has been a long time coming and since the last one is getting finished at the smith as I write this (full on 280AI precision rig) its time to take care of the family rifle! Thanks for the opinions fellas, I'll get some pics up along the way..