Did they all (or any) have serial numbers on the bolts? Found a really nice one but no sn on the bolt. I'll probably buy the gun either way,but I'd like to know up front if there's potential head spacing issues that may need to be dealt with.

The bolts had etched serial numbers.
1. The bolt was replaced and the numbers were buffed off.

2. The bolt was polished or polished/blued removing the numbers.

3. The numbers wore off from use.

Prewar M70's were well made and most parts including bolts fit just fine between guns, including headspace. The keyword is MOST.

About 30 years ago I saw and add for a pre-64 Model 70. The gun was located on the extreme north side of Denver. I lived in Littleton on the extreme south side of the metro area. It was about a 50 mile drive to see the rifle. What I found was a mis-matched action and bolt AND the date stamp on the barrel was earlier than the action, which is a no no. My conclusion was the rifle was made up from at least three different guns. The price was reasonable for what the gentlemen had, so I drove all the way home to get my headspace gages. Back again to find that the hs checked out fine. I bought the gun and eventually dropped it into a McMillan stock. It has never been anything but totally reliable and very accurate.

Serial numbers on the bolts of some Model 70's are very deeply etched. Others look like they were done with a scribe.

Thanks for the responses. I've looked the bolt over pretty close and I honestly can't tell that a number was ever there in the first place. I wouldn't think it would have worn off because the bore looks practically brand new. I had them remove the stock to make sure there were no problems underneath and the barrel had 38 on it and the serial number looks like it would be early 39.

The gun is in such good shape overall I can live with the bolt being mismatched.

Id buy it, but have the headspace checked, that's of little cost if not free from most any gunsmith..Or you can actually do it with two then one shim of electrical tape.

my 70 has no ser.# on bolt but is made for the 22 hornet so no dought it came with gun

Pre-War bolt handles have a distinctive design, different from the post-War models. If the rifle has a pre-War bolt, I doubt that it is not original.

If it should have a headspace problem, I have a couple of pre-War bolts you could try, and if one or both correct the problem, then I would gladly swap.

I have shot Model 70's in competition over the years, and I prefer the pre-War actions because of their smoothness. I understand Winchester changed their heat treating procedure after the War, resulting in occasional slight warping of the action, which was not a factor using the older, more time consuming method.

Thanks for the offer! Taking to the gunsmith today to check.

Just picked it up from the gunsmith. Headspace was good. Thanks for the responses.