Who to restock a Model 70

[Russ16]

In 1948 my great-grandfather’s eyes began to fail him. So he shelved his Model 94 and bought a newfangled gun with a scope on top.

Many years later I used that Model 70 in 30-06 to take my first deer and many after. That connection has always been special to me as he died before I was born but we share a middle name and a birthday. It now wears a new Swarovski scope and hopefully will take a chamois in Romania this year.

There is one issue that need to be addressed at some point. In the mid 1990s it started to develop a small crack extending forward from the bottom metal. At the time we took it to one of the most reputable gun shops in Dallas and they said they could stabilize the crack with glass bedding. Unfortunately, when they did so they fused the action into the stock. The gun has continued to shoot well. Although it can be picky on which loads it likes which may or may not be because of the bedding.

In developing loads for the chamois hunt I’ve noticed the crack has started to lengthen ever so slightly. So this may be its last hunt until that can be addressed.

So I’m in the very early stages of researching a restock. I’m resigned to the fact the current stock will likely be damaged and unusable in removing it.

So I’m looking for recommendations for a stick maker to handle this project. I’d also be interested in hearing what I can expect ti pay for a restock like this. I’m not looking for exhibition grade wood or anything like that. Just a very well made classic stock.

The only thing special I’m considering is if it might be possible to have a piece of the old stock inletted into the new one in a tasteful way to maintain that connection.

I also hope to use the remainder of the old stock to have knife handles made for custom knives to gift to my nephews who also share the same middle name.

Sorry for the long post would love to hear your suggestions on quality stock makers and thoughts on cost. I’ve never had a gun restocked before so have no idea what it should cost.

 

[Grandpa Moose]

As a retired gunsmith my recommendation would be to put the barrelled action and stock into the freezer. Steel shrinks more than the wood and upon removal tap the muzzle end of barrel on a padded workbench I’ve had very good lick doing this when bedding runs over and causes lockkup. By the grace of God you might get the separation you need

 

[Russ16]

As a retired gunsmith my recommendation would be to put the barrelled action and stock into the freezer. Steel shrinks more than the wood and upon removal tap the muzzle end of barrel on a padded workbench I’ve had very good lick doing this when bedding runs over and causes lockkup. By the grace of God you might get the separation you need

Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t have a freezer big enough. I’m also scared that if that didn’t work and the stock was damaged I would have an unusable gun which I would like to avoid until necessary.

 

[Grandpa Moose]

I’ve had the good luck up here as winter always affords us a spell of -40 and the outdoors always has rum. If not at least get action into freezer trick really works

 

[AZDAVE]

For a restock I would recommend Leroy at Canyon Creek Custom gunstocks.

 

[Ray B]

I have a few Win 70 stocks that ere replaced for varying reasons= no damage issues. I'm presuming it is a pre-64 Win to with the second screw in the for end. If interested in a standard issue stock send me your e-mail in a PM and I'll send photos and specs for you to peruse.