I have an excellent condition Pre-64 (1959) Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 that I need to scope and equip with a sling.

I’m going to put a new manufacture scope and sling on it, but would like it to look period correct to some degree.

I’m assuming Gloss scopes were dreggier of the day?
I like Leopold scopes and am leaning towards this 6X fixed power scope.
Leupold FX-3 Rifle Scope 6x 42mm Duplex Reticle Gloss - MidwayUSA

Maybe with the LR Duplex?


Any ideas on Gloss VS Matte scope, and a nice sling appreciated.

Emory

I've got a pre 64 standard rifle, circa 58 or 59 IIRC. Mine is a .257 Roberts though. With the matte finish on the action, matte finish on the wood...I went with the 6x42 Leupold but in...You guessed it...matte finish. The 6x42 is a wonderful piece of glass. Even at 300 yds on a whitetail it was all I needed. Very sharp and clear too. And for the magnification it looks RIGHT on most bolt rifles, not too big, not too small.

Also have a near 100% pre 64 in .300 H&H and went with a matte 3-9 on that in Talley removeable rings and bases. The matte looks fine on that rifle, despite far better finish remaining.

I would try to find one of the leather slings that used to come with Rem 700's years ago. A simple 1" quick adjust type sling that IMHO looks "period correct" on the older rifles. And a used oen from the 70's or 80's will have a nice used look anyway.

Or find one of the quality leather rifle slings; Brownells makes one, El Paso Saddlery does as well.

Another thought is a company that sold at the SCI annual conventions, same style sling as the Rem 700's but available iin 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" widths... Murray leather Co, out of TX.

FN in MT

If you want it to look "period correct," the scope must have a gloss finish. Matte finish scopes were not available until much later, probably some time in the '80s, as manufacturers sought to control costs, and matte finishes are less costly to apply (less preparation, etc.), and the "camo craze" for hunting was only then starting. All scopes on the market at the time any pre-64 was produced, and for many years thereafter, were gloss finish.

As to the sling, a leather military pattern sling would be appropriate, either a 1" or 1 1/4", depending on the capacity of your swivels. That was pretty much the primary sling available back then, and most serious shooters knew how to use the sling as a shooting aid, rather than only as a method of carrying the rifle. If you know how to use a military sling (or learn to), it will help a lot in accurate shooting.

Enjoy that old Model 70, a very fine weapon. I have one, made in 1948, sitting right next to my desk. I acquired it just a few days ago, and intend to disassemble it and give it a thorough cleaning this evening. I already removed the cheapy 3-9x32 scope some previous owner put on it, and will install a good scope either this evening or tomorrow. Of course, the rifle just looks so "right" with only its open sights. The caliber marking of ".30 GOVT 06" on the barrel is, of course, classic, as well. I couldn't believe it when I spotted that distinctive barrel profile in the used rifle rack at my favorite LGS, and they gave me a great deal on it, as well. I'm happy!

Oh yes, the scope bases and rings should also be gloss finished to be period correct (no matte back then for them, either).

Most of the scopes of that period and earlier used what looks to me more like a polished blued finish rather than the much blacker and shinier "gloss" finish that we see today. I have several old M70's that carry a Lyman Alaskan and have owned others with older 1" Weavers, typically a K4. None of those scopes have that really black gloss finish that is so common now.

If it were me, I'd look for an older period scope in good shape - there are still plenty of them out there, and they work just fine. Failing that, I reckon I would probably go with a matte finish modern scope, mostly because I don't care much for the glossy finish and I don't think either finish would be entirely correct for the period in which your rifle was built.

I would second the advice regarding military slings. They were dirt common back in the day and were often found on M70's. Then learn how to use it correctly if you don't already know.

I have the same rifle as you describe with a Bushnell Banner 4X scope, post/crosshair. It really depends on the conditions you shoot. I hunted deer in Vermont and the longest shot was usually under 100 yards. The scope makes it easier to distinguish your target (horns on a deer) and the post makes it easy to see at dawn/dusk, in heavy brush. I have a basic heavy duty leather sling, adjustable of course.

Leupold VII 2x7 gloss. Perfect for my '52 30-06.

Regards,

Tam 3

My pre-64 Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 carries the Bausch & Lomb Balvar 2x8 variable, with the adjustable mount. There are no internal adjustments on these scopes. It is deep-blued, and just looks right on this rifle. Look for one of these and see if it suits. Matte anycolor just won't look right.

Weaver K-6.

Rule 303

For a true "period" look, you can't go wrong with the classic military leather sling and a blued finished Weaver K4 style scope.

Doesn't get any more classic than that.

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G.P. Charlie

I've got a few pre 64 70 rifles and I set them all up the same. They all have Zeiss scopes and Talley light weight rings (both matte) and they look like they were made for each other.

You guys all have such new stuff. My pre-war M70 with a scope has a Bal-Var 8 on it, complete with adjustable mount...

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Dick Burg

Good point Mr. Burg,
A pre-war would be nice too.

Emory