Question: Can a pre64 M70 be put in a modern M70 stock?

[Kootenay Hunter]

Good day,

Essentially I am asking how close the inletting is between a Pre 64 M70, and current M70 stock options. The rifle in question is a 1951 standard length pre-64. Eventually I will have a nice walnut stock made for it, but there is not way I will have it ready for this fall hunt, that and I have not found a piece of walnut that speaks to me yet.

So, are there ready made synthetic stocks out there that drop in reasonably closely? I don't mind doing a bit of fitting, but I am just not sure how close these two inlettings are, and it is daunting to find the answer online considering how much information there is on the pre64.

Thanks.

 

[TSIBINDI]

...A McMillan stock is basically a drop in. I've three of them in pre '64 rifles.

Post '64 stocks are not drop ins. Best to locate a "beater" pre '64 stock, or spend the money on a quality synthetic stock.

 

[PanhandlinPat]

The action screw spacing isn’t the same. There’s a few great fiberglass stocks out there, I’d go ahead and get one in case you want to save your walnut later on.

 

[Kootenay Hunter]

The action screw spacing isn’t the same. There’s a few great fiberglass stocks out there, I’d go ahead and get one in case you want to save your walnut later on.

Can you name a few of the good synth stock options?

 

[RedTag]

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product-configurator/ft-win-70-pre-64-la-2pc-fp-fbc-507061206zz

My 1949 M70 .300 H&H is quite comfortable in one of these Boyds laminate stocks. I haven’t even glass bedded yet and she shoots MoA as is. I think these are the best of both worlds, with the durability of synthetic and the beauty of wood.

 

[PanhandlinPat]

Can you name a few of the good synth stock options?

My personal favorite is the Echols legend pattern made by McMillan. I bought one used on eBay, but they’re hard to come buy. McMillan makes a copy of the late pre64 stock with a montecarlo. Can order one or look on the used market.
I enquired about getting a super grade pattern but they wouldn’t cut it for a pre 64 action. If you really wanted one you could get a flat top and have LRI inlet it for you.

Banser also makes an excellent stock for the pre 64. I was going to order one until I found the Echols.

The Miller: Winchester M70, Pre-64 - Bansner & Company, LLC

This elegantly shaped stock won't weigh you down. It's the perfect option for a classy build that's destined for a lot more than hanging on the wall.

www.bansnerandcompany.com

https://mcmillanusa.com/shop/browse-mcmillan-rifle-stock-models/hunting-stock-models/pre-64-monte-carlo/

 

[RR 314]

Echols or Bansner are the way to fly. The legend comes effectively finished and ready to paint. The Bansner stocks require a little bit of finishing prep work.

 

[Muskox]

The action screw spacing isn’t the same. There’s a few great fiberglass stocks out there, I’d go ahead and get one in case you want to save your walnut later on.

You people need to stop saying this.

Now that Bob Beck owns McMillan, they have right sized production and McMillan is no longer inletting for Winchesters.

 

[baxterb]

the Echols is an incredible stock. You won’t be able to see how nice it is by just pics, the feel of an Echols-stocked rifle in your hands is where the difference is.

 

[Muskox]

the Echols is an incredible stock. You won’t be able to see how nice it is by just pics, the feel of an Echols-stocked rifle in your hands is where the difference is.

Is Darcy selling stocks? I have not seen them on his website in a long time. 3-5 years.

 

[baxterb]

Is Darcy selling stocks? I have not seen them on his website in a long time. 3-5 years.

I don't know if he is right now or not. The website is a little behind though.

 

[Muskox]

My personal favorite is the Echols legend pattern made by McMillan. I bought one used on eBay, but they’re hard to come buy. McMillan makes a copy of the late pre64 stock with a montecarlo. Can order one or look on the used market.
I enquired about getting a super grade pattern but they wouldn’t cut it for a pre 64 action. If you really wanted one you could get a flat top and have LRI inlet it for you.

Banser also makes an excellent stock for the pre 64. I was going to order one until I found the Echols.

The Miller: Winchester M70, Pre-64 - Bansner & Company, LLC

This elegantly shaped stock won't weigh you down. It's the perfect option for a classy build that's destined for a lot more than hanging on the wall.

www.bansnerandcompany.com

https://mcmillanusa.com/shop/browse-mcmillan-rifle-stock-models/hunting-stock-models/pre-64-monte-carlo/

There were a couple years, where Winchester was using a stock designed by Miller on their M70 super grades. The rifles were absolutely a shit show. I ordered mine when I was on deployment and I was super excited about it. It was a 300 win. It looked like it was insetted with a rusty dull chainsaw after drinking hard on a Sunday night.

Stock lines were really nice though.

I have known Mark about 30 years. He only sells top end stuff.

Along with Kenny Jarrett and a very select few others. He was one of the original big money gunsmiths in the 1990's and early 2000's. If you wanted a $5000 carbon stocked rifle 20-30 years ago you went to him.

 

[Muskox]

With McMillan and Manners not inletting for anything that is not a 700 clone anymore. HS Precision, Bell and Carlson, Stockys there aren't a ton of options anymore for non-700 stocks.

Basnsner makes a great product.

 

[RR 314]

Is Darcy selling stocks? I have not seen them on his website in a long time. 3-5 years.

He has some on hands at times--even when not listed. I have had him add cross bolts etc. as well. great guy.

 

[Muskox]

He has some on hands at times--even when not listed. I have had him add cross bolts etc. as well. great guy.

He also has the 700 stock, the "Shrike" I believe. Nice little stock as well.

 

[RR 314]

He also has the 700 stock, the "Shrike" I believe. Nice little stock as well.

Yes sir. Now that he has largely gone to his own action (LX-1 or something like that), I am not sure what he is doing for stocks, but he may still have some on hand for pre-64s.

 

[Flewis]

Look at Mpi, they seem to have about any style you can think of. Need to call them to get the full picture of what they can do.

 

[PanhandlinPat]

You people need to stop saying this.

Now that Bob Beck owns McMillan, they have right sized production and McMillan is no longer inletting for Winchesters.

This is news to me. I spoke with a customer service rep last year about it, and was told they’d still inlet the “pre 64” stock for a pre 64 winchester, but nothing else.

 

[Kootenay Hunter]

Part of the problem is I am up in Canada. so it is a little harder up here.

With McMillan and Manners not inletting for anything that is not a 700 clone anymore. HS Precision, Bell and Carlson, Stockys there aren't a ton of options anymore for non-700 stocks.

Basnsner makes a great product.

You mentioned bell and carlsons, does their inlet work? I can get them up in Canada.

 

[Muskox]

Their inletting is fine.

McMillan told me 700's and nothing else. I don't know you would have to contact them.