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Should I use a like new 1951 Mdl 70 Winchester?

kingofcoins
Traded for this Standard model .30-06, but the more I look at it the newer it gets. All of the metal, action, barrel, bolt, rifling, trigger guard and floorplate are like 100% in-box new. The 4 stock screws were extremly tight and slow to move out but they show no one has undone them since the factory. There is some old caked grease in the metal recesses, and it seems same was on action were it touched stock . Absolutely no corrosion where stock met metal, no dust or pollen either. The 'only' used parts to the gun is the stock has some marks and a couple of peeled spots, and the butt plate shows gun has been handled and set down a few times on less than a soft spot.
So how do you tell if gun has ever been shot ? Even so, would I negate any value by shooting it 1/2 dozen times and take it on a local high and dry one day deer hunt ? A ballpark value would help...
Thanks, Dan
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • sandwarrior
    What you have is a mint condition pre'64. If you shoot it and it hasn't been shot then yes you'll de-value it to a collector. If it's been shot then it won't matter.

    Personally, I would find that out first. I'm not a collector but the amount a collector will pay for an unfired pre-'64 Model 70 is absurdly high compared to one that has maybe a box at most through it. My opinion is they were made to be fired. But if you can get someone to pay you hundreds of dollars for that fact, then cash in and buy a rifle you want to shoot a lot.

    So, take it to an expert, and see if it's been fired. If not start looking for pre-'64 collectors. There's a lot of money in that. When you get the money go out and buy a rifle that's just as good, in the caliber you want, and go to town shooting it.
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  • Bert H.
    All Winchester firearms have been shot... that is how they earn the Winchester definitive proof mark (the superposed WP stamp on the barrel and frame ring). The only way to get a premium price for it, would be if you still had the original factory box, hang tag, owners manual, and warranty papers.

    With judicious care, there is absolutely no reason not to shoot it, and it will still have the same value to a collector.

    As for the value, Standard grade Model 70s in the 30-06 caliber are quite common. It is only worth what someone is willing to pay... that said, it should get a fair amount of interest in the $1000 - $1200 range.
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  • NOTPOSTAL
    Guns are meant to be shot. Shoot it, dont abuse it, and you will still get good money for it.
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  • edharold
    If it has never been shot, then why a used beatup stock and damage to the but plate. It is less than prestine so I would just enjoy it. I doubt that you could find a "correct" stock and butt plate anyway.
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  • kingofcoins
    Thanks for the feedback folks. The stock is not beat at all, the light tics and spots should be easily tung oil reversed, and they appear to be mostly age related. As for the butt plate evidence...remember this only shows handling when magnified with a glass. Anyway I ran an ammonia patch thru bore and it it came out pefectly clean...no copper..and a very sharp mirror finish. Yes all, US guns at least, have been shot for proof before we ever see them, but I'm doubting almost none in this rifle after that. The bolt face shows about no primer pressure evidence. Still I agree, guns are meant to be shot, and 2 shots at a tagret, and one in a deer on a dry day then back to a collector maybe what is in order. Besides I also agree with the sentiment that I rather have 2 definitely used ones in different calibers and not fell uncomfortable about shooting them whenever I feel like it, yes !
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