Rifle that went through a fire?
What is the easiest way to tell if a bolt action rifle has been through a fire, and how would one go about having the receiver tested for hardness? It's an early 1950's-vintage Model 70 Winchester in .30-06, and I'd love to get it back in firing condition if I can. I can take a few pics if it would help. The stock is gone, but it's otherwise complete.
Thanks.[:)]
Edit: Ned, that's just it, I can't tell if it did burn off, or if the stock was simply removed, then the trigger guard and floorplate reinstalled. It's covered in surface rust, so I'm assuming that would've removed any marks left behind if it did burn. I cleaned some of the light rust off the action, and there is still some bluing left underneath.
Thanks.[:)]
Edit: Ned, that's just it, I can't tell if it did burn off, or if the stock was simply removed, then the trigger guard and floorplate reinstalled. It's covered in surface rust, so I'm assuming that would've removed any marks left behind if it did burn. I cleaned some of the light rust off the action, and there is still some bluing left underneath.
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If the stock was burned off, then the temper of the metal is suspect. My advice is don't shoot the gun. 0 -
If the stock is burnt clear off, it may be a total loss.
It will take a specialist gunsmith to check and restore it if it is possible.
How are the springs? If a gun has been heated hot enough to anneal and collapse the action springs then it has been heated hot enough to anneal the structural steel.0 -
I would think if some bluing is left, you should be OK with it. (but I'm no gunsmith, I only play one on TV ) 0 -
I would check the tension on what ever springs are in the action. Firingpin spring, trigger spring, spring for the ejector,ect, ect. Any spring should lose it tension before any heat treated steel would go bad. If the springs show signs of heat, be careful about using that bolt/action. 0 -
if the springs are good so is the action, in particular check the magazine spring (it would be the first to go bad). the action and bolt can be re-heat treated. 0 -
What a tough call. I saw the remains of about 500 guns from a fire at a pawn shop near Las Veges. Actual flame contact left lots of scale. Others in safe lost spring temper and had chared wood. A friend made several bolt muzzle loaders out of the actions. 0 -
Babun and MIKE WISKEY are right on and the springs are great indicators.
I am not a gunsmith, I do have a bit of experience with metal especially some steels and the tempering, annealing and burning of the steel. The springs are a very appropriate and reliable indicator of the temperature that the rifle was subjcted.
(( The springs are like the "cones" used as temperature indicators when "firing" ceramics in kilns for bisking, glazing and baking. ))
If the springs are good, the action is good.
If the springs are bad, with no disintegration of other steel, then the action and bolt are salvageable with proper treatment.
Either one of these gentlemen would be sources for that eventuality, I believe. Good luck with your project. I'll be hoping that the springs retained their temper ... then you'd be but strolling thru the garden!
best, Alan0 -
I would'ent Gamble with trying to rebuild a fire burned firearm unless I had it Checked over by Winchester Factory authority,\...The Face You save is you're face...If they say that its rebuildable...You'll cover you're own Butt... 0 -
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll pull the bolt apart, and check the spring. Got my fingers crossed that it still has the proper tension. I'm going to soak the action in oil for a couple days, as the trigger is pretty rusty, and doesn't want to move much. The trigger spring does appear to be in good shape, and doesn't look like it collapsed.
I'd really hate to relegate such a classic rifle to being a wallhanger.0 -
If you suspect damage to the heat treat have a competent smith pull the barrel and send the receiver and bolt to,,
Blanchard Metal Processing
http://www.bmproc.com/
They can hardness test and re-heat treat.
I'll not hazard a guess at what hardness you should be looking for. nononcense may have that info, or try calling Brownells tech line.0 -
While it is a nice gun, you have to ask yourself- the cost of having it tested, re-treated, and refinished... you could probably buy a new rifle.
I'd not mess with it other than for parts that weren't load bearing.0
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