The action alone is worth about $450 maybe more, but I'd have to see it. The Pre-war and transitional guns were tapped for a lyman sight that was mounted on the left side of the receiver. Some guns came from the factory with this sight. Most transitional guns had 2 holes in the front receiver ring and one hole in the rear bridge for scope mounts.

There was only one length M70 receiver. The 300s and 375s were opened up to take the longer cartridge. There were quite a few more 300s than 375s produced. This action could be opened up to take a 3.66" length cartridge, but it will cost some money.

There were lots of variations in the transitional guns. My choice would be a pre-war bolt with a 3 position safety.

Steve, I'm interested in the gun if you are not. Send me a PM and let me know.

Forrest

Steve, I don't buy Model 70s with extra holes, especially in the side of the receiver. There are still too many of these rifles out there that haven't been screwed with to accept one that's been compromised to that magnitude.



I'd hold out for a rifle that would offer you a better doner action for a special project, and if you really want a .300 H&H, I would definately keep looking for a Model 70 in that chambering that you can either shoot as-is, restock, or else pull the barrel on for a full-house custom .300 H&H. The pre-64 Model 70s in .300 H&H and .375 H&H came with perfect actions for those cartridges. The loading ports were opened up properly, and the magazine boxes were correctly calculated and built specifically for those rounds. They feed perfectly, and hold four-down.



AD

Folks,

Had the day off today and went to a couple of gun shops.

Found a M70 Transitional in 30-06. The rifle had obvious use, but seemed in decent shape. Most of the original bluing was there, except on the places where you'd expect wear (crown, chamber port, etc...) The wood was nicked up and had been carved out where someone had put what was likely a Lyman(?) sight (left side). The stock had been refinished, this area had the same finish on it. It was missing the sight hood. Folding rear sight.

It had been tapped for a scope (not sure if they did that from the factory at that time).

The serial number is 740XX, which puts it as a 1946. The guy wanted $500.00 for it.

What do you think? Worth it?

Thanks!!

-Steve

Were you planning on keeping it stock or fiddling with it?

Usually the side mount holes are about 3" apart on the left side of the reciever, maybe with a couple of studs to boot, so its pretty hard to miss.

Being tapped for a peep reciever might not be a bad thing depending on what you are planning to do with it.

To me it screams project, I have been on the hunt for a rifle to strip the reciever out of for a custom rifle and that would definately be in the right price range. Hence I am biased, plus I love the old model 70's.

Not really sure what I'd do with it. Already have a 30-06. The thought of a project gun crossed my mind.

I've really been looking for a transitional in 300 H&H to go with my 375.

I'll sleep on it...

Thanks again,

-Steve

schromf,

Thanks for the feedback. I recall that it has two holes on the left side of the receiver. They are on the rear of the reciever right above the notch I mentioned. They're spaced about 1/2 inch apart. I don't think that they're for a scope mount, but a rear peep site. But I'm certainly no expert...

-Steve

My slightly older blue book puts that as a 90% gun, at $500.00. So no box the best it could be is 90%. Then subtract for the condition, which box aside sounds to be around 85%, so bottom line number is around 75%.

My book which is about 3 years old (22nd edition) puts the value at $410.00

There is a note that the pre 1953's are more desirable as they are considered higher quality due to manufacturing changes post 53. with is a plus of some kind but not defined.

The blue book is a guide and regional variances don't come into play, but I have found that in the western states this are more desirable, hence a price increase.

I would say it is a pretty fair price, I always have my eyes open for pre 64 model 70's and $500.00 for a unaltered one is pretty reasonable. Are there any drilling and tapping of the reciever for the side mount scope? if so that is definately a detraction.

I would probably jump on it, the way I look at it is the sum of the parts is worth what your paying for it. The action alone is worth at least $300.00 if it hasn't been side tapped. That would be a sweet way to start my next custom rifle.

It probably won't build into a 300 H&H. You would need a large action and in that year the price went up a "WHOLE" lot. A 30-338, or 300 Win Mag will fit. I don't think I would want to alter the bolt face to open it up to a magnum round, can be done easily I just wouldn't, its a one way deal.

That year in a 300 H&H, done up like a African plains gun would be real sweet though.

The problem is when the big Winchester actions get worked on they end result is usually a 375 H&H so the 300's are hard to find, but definately a class act.