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

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  1. #11
    Legacy Member vintage hunter's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sunray View Post
    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.
    Last edited by vintage hunter; 06-06-2019 at 04:24 PM.

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  4. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sunray View Post
    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.
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    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.

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    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
    Last edited by Cosine26; 06-07-2019 at 01:42 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cosine26 View Post
    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?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cosine26 View Post
    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.
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    Deceased May 2nd, 2020 Cosine26's Avatar
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    Why not GOOGLE for a Winchester M70 Post 64 Varmint or sporter stock. Make sure it is for a post 64 stock
    FWIW

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cosine26 View Post
    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.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cosine26 View Post
    Why not GOOGLE for a Winchester M70 Post 64 Varmint or sporter stock. Make sure it is for a post 64 stock
    FWIW
    Also make sure it says LONG ACTION. most of those that come up on Google search will be for modern short action rifles. True short actions didnt come about until the late 80's or early 90's IIRC.
    You've probably seen it already but check out ebay item # 153511725807. The barrel channel is for a sporter contour but it could easily be opened up to accept a varmint/target barrel. Other than bbl channel it is identical to a factory varmint stock.
    Also right below it is a factory LA stock for a 90's era Winchester Laredo LA. Stock made by HS Percision for Winchester. Those are nice stocks and should be a drop in fit. Good luck.
    Last edited by vintage hunter; 06-08-2019 at 11:26 AM.

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  13. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by usabaker View Post
    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

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    Quote Originally Posted by vintage hunter View Post
    Also make sure it says LONG ACTION.
    I think you mean Short Action, it's a .243 Win. Thanks for the eBAY item number. The reason I was looking at the Boyd id because of their AT-ONE stock, it has the adjustable length of pull and cheek rest at a reasonable price; but I don't see one for the heavy barrel. If I don't go with that then I think I'd be at factory stock just to bring it back to the original configuration. UPDATE: Okay I think you mean the blocked off section of the magazine box, what that it? My magazine box is marked A
    Last edited by usabaker; 06-08-2019 at 06:18 PM.
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