Advice Needed: 30GOVT'06 Winchester Pre-64 Model 70

[82Trooper]

What does the marking "30GOVT'06 " indicate? I mean, I know it is chambered for .30-06.......but what is the significance of the "gov't"?

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[usabaker]

What does the marking "30GOVT'06 " indicate? I mean, I know it is chambered for .30-06.......but what is the significance of the "gov't"?

As I recall and I could be full of it, it’s US Government 30 caliber Adopted 1906. There were a number of 30 caliber cartridges for the military to identify them they were listed by year adopted.

[82Trooper]

As I recall and I could be full of it, it’s US Government 30 caliber Adopted 1906. There were a number of 30 caliber cartridges for the military to identify them they were listed by year adopted.

so it does not denote any affiliation between the specific Model 70 marked that way with any government service....it simply identifies the proper .30 cartridge to use...?

[vintage hunter]

so it does not denote any affiliation between the specific Model 70 marked that way with any government service....it simply identifies the proper .30 cartridge to use...?

30GOVT'-06 is nothing more than Winchesters pre-war designation for the 30-06 Springfield cartridge and has no government/military connections. The Winchester Model 1895 lever action was chambered for 3 cartridges used by the military, the 30GOVT'-06(30-06), 30GOVT'-03(30-03 and 30 U.S./ 30 ARMY (30'40 Krag). Its a Winchester thing...

[RCS]

That early bolt with the early safety is going to be difficult to find. Looks like 1940 dated barrel ? The US was buying M70 rifles in 30 Govt at the start of WW2

[usabaker]

That early bolt with the early safety is going to be difficult to find. Looks like 1940 dated barrel? The US was buying M70 rifles in 30 Govt at the start of WW2

Yup 1940, I found one that will fit but the safety was cut down for a scope. I'm in no rush which is a plus and I'm not restoring the rifle it will be a hunter/shooter so that gives me a little flexibility.

[RCS]

Here is a photo on my M70 target from around 1947 which I believe is the second variation bolt safety. Caliber 30 GovtAttachment 101705Attachment 101706