Things to look out for when buying pre 64 mod 70?

[Pirkan]

I've found a pre-64 model 70 in 375 hh for sale. The barrel has been shortened to 52cm (20.5in) and fitted with recknagel sights and a slingmount. The receiver is fitted with what looks like recknagel swing mounts as well and the stock is glass bedded. Other than that everything looks to be oem.

Are there specific things that I should ask about or look out for other than the normal questions about condition etc?

I'm also qurious as to what a fair price would be in the US for this rifle since I live in Sweden where the prices on used guns are kept extremely low due to laws that regulate how many guns you can have. The price is 10k Swedish crowns which is 953 usd and I have a feeling that would be a very good deal in america

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I've found a pre-64 model 70 in 375 hh for sale. The barrel has been shortened to 52cm (20.5in) and fitted with recknagel sights and a slingmount. The receiver is fitted with what looks like recknagel swing mounts as well and the stock is glass bedded. Other than that everything looks to be oem.

Are there specific things that I should ask about or look out for other than the normal questions about condition etc?

I'm also qurious as to what a fair price would be in the US for this rifle since I live in Sweden where the prices on used guns are kept extremely low due to laws that regulate how many guns you can have. The price is 10k Swedish crowns which is 953 usd and I have a feeling that would be a very good deal in americaView attachment 574042View attachment 574043View attachment 574044View attachment 574045

I’m no expert but if everything looks ok I’d buy it in a heartbeat at $953 usd. Zero collector value but would be a good rifle. Odd to shorten the barrel that far but I bet it’s handy

 

[baxterb]

I would buy it in a premature ventricular contraction heartbeat (to beat @Wishfulthinker580) and then get on the horn with a gunmaker friend of mine to get a proper barrel installed.

 

[Joker12]

I have collected and used pre64 M70s for over 50 years and will say that is a very very good deal. Its not a collector but a really nice user. If it were mine I would add 2 cross bolts to prevent the stock from cracking in the tang area ( not expensive ) and be happy with a fine rifle! Hunters and guides have bet their lives on those rifles for a long time. From what I have seen of current prices here in the U.S. that one would bring $2000-2500, more if the barrel had not been shortened. Grab it and smile!

 

[Doug3006]

I agree…buy it before someone else does! It’s not a collector’s item, given the barrel alteration. If it were unaltered and you cared about collector value, I’d recommend researching the serial number to see when it was manufactured. The closer the date to 1964 the less desirable. Manufacturing tolerances and finish quality tended to suffer the closer you get to the end of the manufacturing run. This tends to lower the collector value. (Although these days pre64s are fetching silly money regardless) It looks like a very nice rifle to take hunting !

 

[318AE]

I have a pre-64 model 70 375 factory carbine, with a barrel of about the same length. Winchester did offer a similar rifle. While, as others have said, this one of far from original or collectible in the US, it looks like quite the quick handling and functional rifle, with a front sight and sling mount better than the factory carbines.

 

[Rob404]

Looks like a pretty nice rifle I,d grab it

 

[Tucketed]

Do it! If you’re looking for a 375 you should not hesitate. As others said no collectors value but a great rifle, in your location at a great price.

 

[Papa72]

Spend it. More will come.

 

[Shootist43]

If you haven't purchased that rifle already, YOU ARE BURNING DAYLIGHT!!!

 

[Pirkan]

Guess I'll have buy it then. With a bit of luck I'll go look at it during the weekend

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Re-bed the stock with fiberglass & add dual cross-bolts, otherwise the stock will eventually split.

You may also need to smooth out the feeding ramp, because I’ve seen several pre-64 Winchester Model 70 rifles in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum which will not properly feed round nosed soft points from the factory (like Federal 300Gr Power-Shok).

 

[Altitude sickness]

I actually like what they did to the rifle. It may have lost a little speed from the shorter barrel. But they can spare a few FPS.

It will be nice in the thick stuff.

 

[Luvthunt]

I would buy it and keep it like it is. As stated a great user rifle!

 

[Red Leg]

This rifle essentially has no collector value because of the custom work. The rifle would then be valued as a shooter rather than a collector piece. In the States, the mounts alone would cost what they are asking for the rifle. It looks like a great buy to me. The Model 70 stock really wasn't designed for that heavy a recoiling caliber. It is already glass bedded, but as @Hunter-Habib suggests, I also would have a good gunsmith install cross bolts to further mitigate potential recoil damage.

 

[Pirkan]

I've thought about the gun all day and come to the conclusion that I really shouldn't buy it and save the money for my upcoming safari in April. I'm a relatively broke 19 yo so it's still a considerable amount of money for me even if it's definetly a very good deal. Can't seem to insert a functioning link but go to blocket.se and search for winchester pre-64 and you'll find it if someone wants it instead but bear in mind that I have no affiliation with the seller what so ever

 

[DLSJR]

This gun is worth the asking price, just for the action alone. You should find a way to buy it.

 

[RayAtkinson]

It looks nice and some good advise to buy it, if you have to ask then I suggest you have a smith check it out before you pay..Its priced fairly in the real world. Has it been cut or was the barrel replaced, it looks bead blasted? not tht it makes much difference..Keep in mind that its not collector ! but a nice shooter and a pre 64 action worth the asking price..not more.