Any Winchester model 70 aficionados out there

[BlackAgnes]

Years ago, I took a stockmaking course at Rochester Institute of Technology, taught by Joe Balickie, a famous stockmaker from North Carolina. I bought a blank, a two by six really, from Jerry Hart and used it to carve a stock for my .300 H&H Magnum Model 70. I had never made a stock before, so it was a challenge for me. Joe guided me through the process, but would not touch it himself. The following year, I took a checkering course at RIT and finished the rifle. I bet I've got 200 hours in this project--harder when you don't know what you are doing!

A funny story about the front floorplate hinge--I initially over inletted it, and the "gaposis" was driving me nuts. I went home and found a piece of steel and made a new, larger hinge. All I had was a drill press and files, but it came out ok, and no more "gaposis"!

 

[lrrifleman]

Breadman1, you definitely have a Winchester Model 70T. Chances are good that either the block at the rear of the receiver, or even the bridge of the receiver is cut for a stripper clip (not that I believe a stripper clip was ever made for the 300 H&H).

The receiver and the barrel would be D&T for Redfield sight and scope blocks. Other than the D&T, the bull barrel would be clean. A rear dovetail sight would never have left Winchester on that barrel.

That would be of prime value to a shooter that participates in NRA long-range (1000 yard) matches. There is also the likelihood that the stock repair would be reversed if the owner decided to shoot the iron sight long-range matches.

Personally, if I were looking to sell that rifle (which I NEVER WOULD), I would go to either a local regional long-range match or either during the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury or the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry, and put up a for sale note on the message boards on Commercial Row!

Honestly, if I didn't have musculoskeletal injuries, I'd make an offer!

 

[Capt. F.]

Years ago, I took a stockmaking course at Rochester Institute of Technology, taught by Joe Balickie, a famous stockmaker from North Carolina. I bought a blank, a two by six really, from Jerry Hart and used it to carve a stock for my .300 H&H Magnum Model 70. I had never made a stock before, so it was a challenge for me. Joe guided me through the process, but would not touch it himself. The following year, I took a checkering course at RIT and finished the rifle. I bet I've got 200 hours in this project--harder when you don't know what you are doing!

A funny story about the front floorplate hinge--I initially over inletted it, and the "gaposis" was driving me nuts. I went home and found a piece of steel and made a new, larger hinge. All I had was a drill press and files, but it came out ok, and no more "gaposis"!

Stunning workmanship! I just barely have the ability to wipe my guns down with a cleaning cloth, much less turn out what you did.
Hats off to you!

 

[Valmet]

.300 H&H Magnum. That was about the only .30 caliber magnum around in the 1930s, so it was commonly referred to as .300 Magnum.

Yes. Was orig referred to as “Holland’s Super 30” when introduced. Def a neat rifle but will be a tough sell in the Model 70 crowd as far as selling for a mint.

 

[local_dirt]

It will generate some interest in the model 70 crowd, but they are a very discerning bunch. More admirers than buyers, but you may generate a sale. I would not expect to get a fortune for it.

 

[alwslate]

I am basically a Mauser fan but I do have one pre 64 model 70. It is an early Featherweight .308 with the original aluminum butt plate. Might have some collector value but not a whole lot. Thought about selling it but I may cut the stock and add a recoil pad. Then it will fit me but will have even less collector value

 

[30-30remchester]

ALWSLATE, I have read many of your posts over the years and generally feel a kinship, however permanently altering a classic firearm like a model 70 by cutting (shutter) and installing a pad is akin to spray painting a moustache on the Mona Lisa. Recoil of a 308 Win is so little, my 12-year-old grandson uses a featherweight in that caliber to hunt and target practice. I have had a life that is full of turmoil and strife leading to many nightmares and difficulty sleeping. In the last few years these nightmares have abated, however after reading your above post, I feel another coming on tonight.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am saving up to buy a Winchester calendar.

 

[brendonjames65]

I am basically a Mauser fan but I do have one pre 64 model 70. It is an early Featherweight .308 with the original aluminum butt plate. Might have some collector value but not a whole lot. Thought about selling it but I may cut the stock and add a recoil pad. Then it will fit me but will have even less collector value

While you’re at it, maybe cut the barrel down on your RM or Triple Lock, bob the hammer down and have it Cerakoted too. For all that is sacred, please don’t modify your pre 64 featherweight!

 

[alwslate]

The reason that I might cut the stock and put a pad on my pre 64 Featherweight is very simple. I am very short and the LOP is too long for me on most all factory rifles. Sorry to offend but we only go around once and as the saying goes, there are no U-Hauls behind a hearse
If anyone has a nice pre 64 Featherweight stock that has been cut maybe we could trade. Mine is the desired Monte Carlo style even though it is an early model, around 1952

 

[bushmaster1313]

I am down to two Model 70s

Late 1940s in .257 Roberts

Late 1950s Featherweight in .270 Winchester

 

[fleabus101]

I stupidly in a fit of generosity gave away one of the reintroduction circa 1988 300 Win Mag SuperGrades. This was when the Winchester Custom Shop ( that I didn't know it at the time ) was hand building all the first ones that year. It was a Terrific Piece of Work. The classic Mauser controlled feed action, very great figured wood in the classic straight comb style with a cheekpiece , hand engine turned bolt and follower, action slick as snot , scoped with a smallish Leupold 2 x 7 variable in Warne Rings .etc.. I clipped several deer with that thunderstruck. I rue the day I made that large mistake..

 

[30-30remchester]

AWLSLATE, Let me look in my used stocks. I might have a featherweight stock that has already been cut and a pad added.

 

[Buick]

Coincidentally, I am awaiting delivery of a 1959 M70 in .270 Win. Where I deer hunt, one has a choice of hunting in beautiful open hardwoods or a tower blind in a 70 acre beanfield offering 220-320 yard shots. Perfect for a good .270 with a good scope and trigger pull. Looking forward to some good years hunting with a nice pre-64 m70.
To the OP; I believe your rifle would sell for around 2k.