I just put a 1942 Winchester 70 in 300h&h on layaway. I was about to buy a new FN model 70 but stumbled upon the pre war. It is all original except it has 2 extra holes on L side of receiver where a side mount was. The stock was also trimmed accordingly. The rear bridge is tapped for weaver bases and it comes with a period weaver scope. I have never owned a prewar and am wondering if I made the right choice for an all around rifle or I'd I should have gone with a new model 70. I am looking at it as a shooter more than an investment. What is the rifle worth? Is it worth putting in a McMillan and hunting the hell out of it?

I love mine and shoot/hunt with it. It holds under 1" groups with my reloads and really hammers elk.

The Model 70 Pre 64 rifle chambered in .300 H&H Magnum are known to be very accurate. The extra holes put it out of the collector class. Still it is a valuable rifle that I am sure that you will be very happy with. My favorite cartridge in the Model 70.

The only issue I would see is that the comb on the older stocks is rather low for using a scope. You may want to consider using one of the classic leather lace-on cheekpieces which has the effect of elevating the comb.

The low comb stock also has what is considered today excessive drop, so the recoil tends to result in greater muzzle rise and most people feel it more intensely. However, unless you are very sensitive to recoil, I doubt that with a .300 H&H that will present an insurmountable problem.

I own a Sako in .300 H&H, and although it came to me in rather neglected condition, it is the best-shooting .30 caliber I own and I wouldn't part with it for a big pile of money.

I am thinking of dropping it into a McMillan pre 64 montecarlo so I can hunt it in nasty weather and be more scope/recoil friendly.

As far as value goes there is a fellow here in Canada trying sell his 300 pre 64 for $5000, FS