Model 70 Question

[Aaron N]

I'm looking at a Model 70 (1958) in 300 H&H, and there are screws in the receiver that are from a previous "period" scope mount? Just wondering if these should cause any issues with the strength of the action, or have and serious value impact?

 

[Mekaniks]

If your buying it as a collector item then the screws devalue it significantly IMO. But if you are looking at it for as a shooter/working gun and don’t really care about resale value then the screws don’t hurt a thing.
Lots of model 70’s of that era had aftermarket optics installed like that, it’s not that uncommon to see. Which makes the rifles that have not been altered that much more $$.

 

[Aaron N]

If your buying it as a collector item then the screws devalue it significantly IMO. But if you are looking at it for as a shooter/working gun and don’t really care about resale value then the screws don’t hurt a thing.
Lots of model 70’s of that era had aftermarket optics installed like that, it’s not that in common to see. Which makes the rifles that have not been altered that much more $$.

Or I'm assuming you could find a period scope mount and make it look intentional? I was just more concerned about it perhaps weakening the action.

 

[Mekaniks]

Or I'm assuming you could find a period scope mount and make it look intentional? I was just more concerned about it perhaps weakening the action.

I seriously doubt it will have any negative effect on the action and lots of these were done similarly in the day. Yes If you can find the correct mount at least it would look intentional.

 

[Dewald]

They seem to be for the old Griffin and Howe mounts. It wouldn't affect the action, but it will bother me looking like that. Problem is if you get a G&H mount the receiver tops have holes in again. If its cheap and purely a workhorse go ahead.

 

[Aaron N]

They seem to be for the old Griffin and Howe mounts. It wouldn't affect the action, but it will bother me looking like that. Problem is if you get a G&H mount the receiver tops have holes in again. If its cheap and purely a workhorse go ahead.

Are there any truly cheap pre-64's out there? He's asking $1600 Canadian, roughly $1250 US. Gun looks to be in good shape, besides the obvious screw holes. I like guns that can shoot, and can get dinged up.

 

[Shootist43]

Those screw holes will not weaken the action. If the looks really bother you a good gunsmith can plug weld the holes, polish things up and re-blue the action.

 

[Mekaniks]

Are there any truly cheap pre-64's out there? He's asking $1600 Canadian, roughly $1250 US. Gun looks to be in good shape, besides the obvious screw holes. I like guns that can shoot, and can get dinged up.

I see “shooter” pre-64 model 70’s regularly between $800 and $1200 depending on condition and caliber. IMO If you watch and are persistent it’s possible to pick up a a really good shooter for under $1000.00

 

[larry4831]

We all have little Idiosyncrasies, those screw holes would bother me. I think if I were going to spend 1250 I would just buy a new rifle. It may not be in the 300 H&H but you could get it in the 300 Winchester. I know the 300 H&H is a classic though.

 

[Ray B]

For a non-original shooter, which is what that rifle would be considered by a serious appraiser, the price is a few hundred $$ too high.

 

[flat8]

I own 5 model 70 Winchesters. I’m not as enamored by the pre-64’s, I’d rather look for a post 92’ Classic. New tooling, and New Haven made, CRF. And, they can be found for bargain prices. As for me, I wouldn’t be able to get past the cosmetic damage to the receiver of that .300. My 2cents!

 

[Dewald]

Are there any truly cheap pre-64's out there? He's asking $1600 Canadian, roughly $1250 US. Gun looks to be in good shape, besides the obvious screw holes. I like guns that can shoot, and can get dinged up.

Aaron, I'm not informed as to the prices of 2nd hand weapons in Canada or the USA, but in South Africa you can pick up a Mod70 for well under R20 000, in other words $1400-$1700 in excellent untampered condition if you are patient. I would assume it's substantially cheaper where you are.

 

[Milehighshooter]

That is WAY too much money for that gun. Yes the H&H rifles are worth more, even altered, but that is at best $1000 USD, and that's if not rust pitting, minimal blue wear and a used nut not abused stock. Pristine and unaltered would command $1500 give or take

 

[sambarhunter]

As above,a competent gunsmith can plug/polish/re blue its no big deal

Holes? Weakening? Remember what they said about ventilated discs on motor bikes when first made lol!

 

[Stubert]

I recently purchased a NIB Model 70 .375 H&H Alaskan for $975.00. Keep looking, be patient.

 

[fourfive8]

That rifle has little "collector" value because of the holes. It is a shooter at best- if the bore is good. I would think its market value at something under 1000 USD. Those extra holes in the receiver do not affect the strength at all since they are well behind the lugs.