winchester 70 usmc replica project

[lancelot]

hi
i decided last month to build a winchester 70 usmc replica
the action will be 2012 "pre 64 " look alike, the stock a sporter model
this rifle is totally unknown in france, so it's quite difficult to get some informations about it...
i wondered if someone here could give me some details like winchester and douglas barrel dimensions, as i'll order a custom one to lothar walther or bergara.
i'd need informations too concerning scope and front sight blocks, and where i could find parts for this project
actually, any informations would be welcome
many thanks....and take care
nicolas

[mark1]

If you Google:
winchester 70 USMC sniper
winchester 70 USMC sniper scope bases

You will find a lot of the information you are looking for.

[lancelot]

hi
actually i did a lot of research on google and various forums...but i didn't find the genuine winchester and douglas barrel contour
i need them to order the new barrel...
then, i have to find an unertl specialist as i'd need a base screw , which tightens the scope on its blocks..
impossible to find something about this rifle in france...
cheers
nicolas

[vintage hunter]

Factory Winchester pre 64 Model 70 30-06 target barrel is 1.140"x2.000"(includes breech thread) straight taper to .780" @ 24" finished length. 1 in 10 twist.
I was going to build a replica several years ago but in my search for a suitable action I happened across this "original" example for less than it would've cost to build the wanna be.

[lancelot]

wow...great ....you're really lucky
so, those dimensions are the genuine winchester target barrel contour...
it seems that douglas ones are looking a bit heavier ...aren't they?

[RCS]

Mine was sold in a group of 12 rifles, all M70 target rifles by the Naval Base at Great Lakes, Illinois some years ago. All were in vg to excellent condition, one had a broken stock and one was a standard weight barrel. I bought mine from the dealer who won the bid. none were marked by the USN

[Daan Kemp]

Man, those rifles were awesomely accurate!

[Frank46]

I had 4 pre '64 model 70 target rifles over the years and every one had a after market barrel that had replaced the original Winchester barrel. No longer have any of the pre '64 model 70 target rifles as one by one they were sold when people started offering me insane money for them. Back them it was very common with the pre '64's to basically rebuild them as custom sporting rifles. Only have an almost mint post '64 Winchester made in 1966 model 70 target rifle. Suggestion, since the pre '64 target rifles do command a bunch of money why not look for one of the post '64's as a basis for your project. Would be cheaper than the pre '64's and basically the same rifle?. Don't know the availability of such a rifle in France, maybe check out some of the auction sites and see what is available. Best of luck in your project. Frank

[Daan Kemp]

Keep in mind the target shooters who replace a barrel when the accuracy falls off by less than a thin hair's width. Somebody else probably has the original barrel in his rifle and is still happy with the accuracy.