Non-Milsurp: Winchester M70 Identification Help WHAT IT BE!

[vintage hunter]

Everybody and his brother did something to M70's at one time or another. A heavy barreled .308 isn't exactly unusual.
That one looks like a Heavy Varmint Rifle. Like this one.
Winchester Model 70 SA Heavy Varmint .308 Win.

What does a 308 have to do with this thread? The OP'srifle is a .243. But since you brought it up...
Factory made pre-64 Winchester model 70 heavy barrel varmint/target rifles in 308 are very unusual because they're virtually nonexistant.
Factory post 64 model 70 varmints(OP's rifle) in 308 made under Olin ownership(1964-1980/81)are not common, but they are around. Oddly enough every one I've seen so far bore electro penciled u.s. property markings on the reciever ring.
Model 70 heavy barrel 308's made by USRAC from '80 or '81 until 2005? and those made by FN HERSTAL in Columbia. S.C. from 2007?-present are a dime a dozen and, IMO, should'nt even be allowed to bear the Winchester name.

Information

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[usabaker]

A heavy barreled .308 isn't exactly unusual.
That one looks like a Heavy Varmint Rifle. Like this one.

Not a .308 Win its a .243 Win and its a factory barrel. From what I can tell the only thing done to this rifles is a modified target stock and aftermarket rings and mounts were put on her. Looks like she been cycled a bit some of the jeweling is worn off.

[Cosine26]

To me this looks like an early post 64 M70 as indicated by the firing pin cap. The later caps were smooth, polished and blued. After the post 64 was introduced, it was the subject of much criticism by the pre-64 lovers. Shortly after the post 64 M70 was introduced Winchester advertise the sale of barreled actions in various calibers, presumably to increase sales. Since the user could buy the barreled action and put into his preference of a stock, he saved some money and did not pay for the stock he did not need or want. This may have been one of those. I would expect to see more thumb hole stocks on rifles chambered for the .243 than for the .308. The .243 was more of a varmint rifle caliber than the .308, and varmint hunters were more likely to use a thumb hole stock than a target shooter.
From the Stoger Catalog # 63 for 1972. The varmint rifle was priced at $189.95 and the barreled action was priced at $143.95 so there was some saving by ordering the barreled action only.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

After the "anti bind" feature was introduced on the bolt/receiver , the M70 regained some of its popularity. I have a couple of target rifle built on these later action and find them to be as satisfactory as the pre 64 actions. In the closing days of the pre 64 rifle, quality dropped significantly. We often said, at the time, the M70 is the best "do it your self" kit on the market. I have target rifles built on pre WWII actions and post WWII actions so am familiar with them.
FWIW

[usabaker]

Since the user could buy the barreled action and put into his preference of a stock, he saved some money and did not pay for the stock he did not need or want. This may have been one of those. I would expect to see more thumb hole stocks on rifles chambered for the .243 than for the .308. The .243 was more of a varmint rifle caliber than the .308, and varmint hunters were more likely to use a thumb hole stock than a target shooter.
From the Stoger Catalog # 63 for 1972. The varmint rifle was priced at $189.95 and the barreled action was priced at $143.95 so there was some saving by ordering the barreled action only.

Great information! thank you. I've got way more information on this rifle than I ever expected tanks every for the help.

---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------

would any one have a copy of the user manual they could share?

[usabaker]

To me this looks like an early post 64 M70 as indicated by the firing pin cap.

I found out that this rifle was manufactured in 1965. Which helps since I think I want to replace the stock. I was going to look into a Boyds but they don't seem to make one for a heavy barrel just looking at their website.

[USGI]

I found out that this rifle was manufactured in 1965.

At least the "Blue Book" had that right. If you haven't already found this website, take a look - lots of detailed information there.

https://www.pmulcahy.com/bolt-action...hester_m70.htm

You haven't told us the barrel length. Just curious if it's 25 inches, and if it has the word VARMINT stamped on it? - Bob

[usabaker]

https://www.pmulcahy.com/bolt-action...hester_m70.htm

You haven't told us the barrel length. Just curious if it's 25 inches, and if it has the word VARMINT stamped on it? - Bob

Hi Bob that was a great website thank you! I just pulled the rifle out of the safe. From the bolt face to the muzzle the barrel is 24" I pulled the action out of the stock and there are no other markings, nothing that says Varmint on it.

It does have a two peice floorplate.

Took some additional pictures

[usabaker]

I did find a stamping in the stock

[Cosine26]

Why not GOOGLE for a Winchester M70 Post 64 Varmint or sporter stock. Make sure it is for a post 64 stock
FWIW

[usabaker]

Why not GOOGLE for a Winchester M70 Post 64 Varmint or sporter stock. Make sure it is for a post 64 stock
FWIW

Did that as well on Gunbroker and eBAY.. did find some, I think descriptions are not worth much.