I just picked up an "as new" Model 70 .264 Win. Mag. that is pristine. A couple of questions to solidify the pristine condition: (1) what year was the gun made (serial # 47342X) ?; (2) does it have a stainless steel barrel ?; and (3) is the barrel finish original - appears like a parkerized finish, only faintly shiny ? Thanks for any info.

Frank
Is your rifle a pre-64 "Westerner" with the 26" bbl? Does it have a "swell" in the bbl that the rear sight is mounted on?
If I remember correctly they did have stainless steel bbls.
The second centerfire rifle I has was just such a rifle. It shot 6"+ groups with Winchester factory 140's. With Remington 140"s it shot quarter sized groups. It shot good with reloads too.

Yes .... a pre-64 "Westerner" ...... 6" groups, huh ....maybe I need some rocks.

it was made in 1960. Best I can tell, 264's made in that year had stainless barrels. Jim

[ 06-14-2003, 07:59: Message edited by: olarmy ]

Frank
Do not forget it shot groups the size of a quarter with RP factory loads, and it shot very well with reloads. When I was at college I reloaded my 264 shells with a Lee Loader, worked fine. I did use a hand primer.
I also loaded 44 mag shells with a Lyman tong tool.

Frank... if you can... post a pic of it I would love to see it.
I am just about to some serious restoration on my pre64 375 H&H. It will probably take me all year as I am my own customer

Sorry, no digital camera .... smallfry, I have a "made in 1937" Model 70 heavy barreled .375 that is in great condition. It's a classic, and shoots great. I love the .375's - I have five.

Frank, the rifle you describe sounds original. According to www.oldguns.net your rifle was made in 1959.

Winchester did make a stainless barrel, and it had a "bead blasted" appearance that looked somewhat like the receiver.

packrat