winchester model 70
I just purchased a used winchester model 70 xtr sporter magnum in 7mm remington magnum and on the opposite side of these markings on the barrel is the word featherweight,the barrel is 24"long and is clean {no open sights]non of my other xtr sporters have this.The markings are crisp and bright and match the other rifles.any ideas?
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I purchased a winchester model 70 with a Lyman Alaskan 2.5 power scope for $100.00 from a former "Tuskeegee Airman" whom I will not name. Upon tracing the serial number through a friend we discovered that it was made in 1947.According to him,"I shot a moose with it in 1955 and it's been in the closet ever since".The rifle has been appraised. Would obtaining a letter or bill of sale with his signature on it increase the value of the rifle? 0 -
quote:Is this a rare version that is collectible in it's present form?
Not exactly rare. It was the third msot produced caliber only beaten by the .270 and 30-06. A better way to say it might be: Sought after? Yes. A fair number of people would like to have one.
quote:Would I destroy it's value by having the stock professionally refinished.
Maybe not destroy, but lets say reduce its desirability. Honestly this is a nice rifle that has been honestly used and has quit a bit of wear on the stock. But still a nice rifle. I would hope you got it at a fair pirce and will keep it and use for many years. If it were mine I would probably refinish the stock. Even though the old Weaver 10 has seen it's day, it is still kind of cool to see an old period correct scope still being used. If you decide to keep the scope, it might be a good candidate for a good refurbishment.
IMHO if you got it for $800-850 or less you did good. You can find pages of history on the "search" in the top right corner and on the internet.0 -
I probably wouldnt. My old winchesters stay just as they are. Ive got an old model 42 that shows alot of use but I just cant bring myself to refinish it. Its a personal opinion, but I prefer them as they are. Others will differ. 0 -
Thanks for the responses. I really appreciate the input. The GB auctions lists a Standard Model 70 in 243 made in 1961 (auction #146766933). It has a plastic butt plate and says that only 6812 were produced in the .243 Standard Model. Apparently the featherweight was the most common production .243. My rifle has an aluminum butt plate. Should it have had a steel one? I am very confident the aluminum is original. All other features are Standard. Does this low production number make this rifle rare and collectible? I'm in no hurry to decide about the stock. The rifle has sat in this condition for many years. In the interim, would products like "Snake Oil", or applying some Tung Oil be detrimental? Any suggestions as to preserving/conditioning the stock? I intend on hunting with rifle on occasion and would like the stock to be protected.
When chambering a live round the bolt resists closing. I think it requires more effort than normal but have no experience with these. Is this normal? Anything I should check? Rifle shoots and ejects well.
I purchased this rifle for much less than $800. When it was offered I hesitated because of the stock but bought it anyway. I'm getting the idea this was a good purchase. The rifle holds sentimental value and I plan on keeping it for myself and sons. The fellow I bought it from is not family, but very special to me.0 -
bing3
I have a the 1961, 33 page, Winchester Western Catalog (Presenting for 1961- Winchester and Western Sporting Arms and Ammunition). It has all the Model 70's produced for 1961 and shows it with the plastic butt. They actually started that in 1959 and it first appeared in the 1960 catalog.
But anyway the Model 70 Standard sold for $139.00. Available in 243, 270, 30-06 (24 inch barrel) and 300 H & H Magnum (26 inch)in the catalog.
The Featherweight was also $139.00 and came in the same calibers plus 308 and had no 300 H & H.
For a big $198 you could have got the Target Model.0 -
I, too, have been wrestling with the stock refinishing question. My M70 is a .308 Featherweight bought new in Fall '55 and given to Dad for Christmas that year. I went with Mom to the then-Great Falls AFB BX to pick it, as it was a special order. A year later Dad took it on a pack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, slipped and slid down a rock slide with it for a fair distance. Both Dad and the rifle suffered some superficial scrapes and bruises but no significant damage was done to either. Three years ago, Dad, now 88, decided he'd let me take custody of the rifle and its period-correct Weaver 4X scope. The scope is retired in favor of a new Nikon. Each year I take the rifle out for a ceremonial shoot, put some holes in paper and reflect back on the good ol' days. And I look at the abrasion on the left forearm and recall Dad coming home from that trip with some cuts, scrapes and bruises (as well as a black bear and an elk). As I intend to pass the rifle on to my son in hopes he'll pass it on to his, I'm not concerned about collector value. Maybe I should just leave it "as is" and be sure the lore goes along with it into the next generation(s). 0 -
You dont have to refinish it to bring it back. I have done this with several M70's because the finish tends to peel like yours. Take the stock off and wash it with dawn and let it dry. Then take some 0000 steel wool and go over the stock to get all that is peeling. Get some Watco danish oil in dark walnut and apply it over the existing finish and let it soak in for about 15 minutes without going dry (keep reapplying).
After 15 minutes wipe stock down with dry rag and let dry for at least 24 hours. Then do it all again, 0000 steel wool, Watco, wipe dry.
It might take 3 or 4 times of this to bring it to where you have blened the 2 finishes but it works and you did not have to strip and refinish.
Also: Check your bolt to see if there is a serial no. etched on it, if not it may not be original to the gun and might need fitted.
Here is one that was badly flaked, I also re pointed the checkering on it. Hint: The finish wont penetrate where it is not needed so 90% of your original finish wont be changed.
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Thanks to all! Cartod your rifle really turned out nice. I may attempt the method you describe this winter. Had the 243 out this morning for WV opening day. Did not see anything but could not help thinking about all the previous trips it has made. I will continue looking for more info as to its history and configuration. Older rifles such as this and the 2 Savage 99's I've acquired really interest me because of the workmanship and quality. 0
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