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Pre-64 Winchester M70 22 Hornet Action--Worth?

Fairlane66
For the past several months I've been looking for a nice Pre-64 Winchester M70 action that would become the basis for a custom rifle I've been dreaming about. My intent is to build a Jack O'Connor style rifle in 270 for a sheep hunt I hope to take in a year or two. Today I found a really nice action and the asking price was so ridiculously low that I would have instantly bought it without an inspection. Nonetheless, I picked it up for a once over and, to my surprise, found out it was a complete Pre-64 Model 70 22 Hornet action made in 1949. Bluing is original and nearly perfect, even the undrilled bolt knob shows only the slightest of wear. The correct follower, spring, magazine box, and floor plate are all intact and the bolt is serialized to the action. The only detractor is one additional hole tapped between the two factory holes on the rear bridge, but that'd be covered with scope bases. All in all, the action is absolutely beautiful and I snapped it up, even through it wasn't the piece I was looking for. So, here's my dilemma. I still want to build my 270, but now I'm thinking about putting that project off and possibly building myself a Hornet instead. On the other hand, I could sell the Hornet action and put any profit toward my custom 270. I know Pre-64 Model 70 Hornets are going for ungodly prices right now. I also know standard Pre-64 M70 actions cost around $500. Would a Hornet action bring a higher price and, if so, any estimate on what that might be? I know, I know, I can put it up on the auction side with a penny starting price and let the market determine value, but I'd like some sort of estimate so I can make an intelligent decision about what to do with this action, sell it or use it to build a Hornet? Oh, one other thing. If I decide to build a Hornet, I'd like to put a Pre-64 Winchester barrel on it. Other than scouring the auction side for months on end, does anyone know a source for a Pre-64 M70 Hornet barrel? If anyone wants to chime in with advice, please do. I'm open to suggestions on how to proceed. Thanks.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • Dokey
    All pre 64 70 actions are basically the same with the prewars having the cloverleaf tang. The differences are in the bolt and magazine box. The bolt face on the Hornet is different as is the stop on the extractor ring. The magazine box has a baffle to accommodate the short Hornet round. If you can locate a Hornet barrel it's going to set you back upwards of $500+. A nice pre 64 original stock is $300+. The extra hole kills the collector value. You'd be better off parting out the action and selling the parts, and looking for a nice pre 59 270
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  • charliemeyer007
    My second hunting rifle was a Remington 721 in 270W. Back then bullet selection was poor. The first hunting rifle I bought was in 7mm Remington Mag.

    I had a Hornet for a while, not as impressive as a .222R.

    Keeping your action in hornet is what I would do. The collectors will smell the extra hole, the shooters will notice less.
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  • Fairlane66
    Dokey, I'm interested in learning your rationale for parting out the action. I see parts sell on Ebay for quite a lot, but wouldn't it make more sense to keep the action intact due to its unique parts--bolt, follower, spring, and floor plate? Not only are the parts unique, but the serial number on the bolt and action match, which to me is a plus. I can only assume you believe the value of the individual parts is greater than that of the assembled action, correct? I just wonder how many stray Pre-64 M70 Hornets are out there with one or two missing parts, i.e. a follower, etc., compared to the guy who is looking for a reasonably correct assembled action.

    For anyone else, any estimate on the value of this assembled action?

    Thanks.
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  • jody
    I don't know what it is worth
    but if you want to sell it I
    would be very interested
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  • samysombra
    I am interested in the magazine complete and if it is possible the stock also.
    Would you like to sell it to me?
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  • Fairlane66
    Thanks to all for your inputs. Quite by chance, I found an original Pre-64 Model 70 Hornet barrel and plan to mate it up to my original action and stock. When all is said and done, I'll have a very original looking Pre-64 Model 70 Hornet with all the correct parts for a fraction of the price of buying one outright. Given it's relative rarity and excellent condition, I just couldn't bring myself to part out the action and, with the opportunity to purchase an original barrel, the potential to flesh out my Model 70 collection was too hard to pass up. Yes, I know there's an additional hole in the rear bridge, but that'll be covered up by scope mounts and a period-correct scope I have for the gun.

    With the extra hole and the rebuild work, she won't be a collector grade gun, but she'll be one I can admire, shoot, and enjoy. When I get it back from the smith I'll post some pics for all to see. I'll now have to postpone my Jack O'Connor lookalike rifle, but I think the wait will be worth it. Thanks again for all your inputs.
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  • bundy
    I have been looking for the two piece magazine for one of these Model 70 .22 Hornet rifles but they seem to be scarcer than hens teeth, so I have considered attempting to make one but I can not find any really good clear photographs showing them from several angles that would help me to see if I could back engineer one. Before you assembly your rifle would it be possible for you to take as many photos of just the magazine boxes and post them?
    One of these magazines recently sold on Ebay but it had been modified to take .222 Rem so the photos weren't of much. Thank you.
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