quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
I'll answer. No. I have a new Featherweight, the checkering is cut and the wood is nice.

Yep. You and I and the rest of the world know that. But ol '99 seems to be struggling with the concept.

Don, I suggest you go LOOK AND HANDLE one. The checkering is not pressed! What's more, it doesn't have a border to cover up over runs like the pre 64's.

Australia used to have a modest but proud gun manufacturing fraternity. But several decades ago we went through this; our labour market became uncompetitive and legislators and the general populace made gunmakers feel like drug dealers. They packed up and left, or went into other trades. Many went to the US, Jack Warne went there I think. Many of the artisans, stockmakers, engravers etc went with them.

Sad to see icons like the 70 end up being made in Europe. Sadly though its a reality we have been living with here for years. Just about the best selling centrefire in this country is made in Japan - the Howa.

I'm still fond of the pre 64s, so you guys sell me all the pre 64s and you can buy those nice new ones...

All kidding aside, I still love the pre 64 and the good old 98 Mausers. I have yet to look over any of the new guns that changed my mind, but I'll keep looking and I'll keep an open mind, and I do love the Ruger African model 77 and it comes in a 9.3x62 or did.

I'll bet dollars to donuts that my pre 64s and Mausers have better resale value..

We all have choices...

quote:

Originally posted by Savage_99:
Here is that picture of the pressed in 'checkering' and sloppy stamping on the BACO M70's barrel.

99, I don't know what your problem is but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce!

quote:

Originally posted by olarmy:

quote:

Originally posted by Beau375:
Yes that is correct & despite the pre-64 hysteria, the current Model 70 is the best Model 70 ever. That is the truth.

Wouldn't that kind of depend on your definition of best?

Yup....that's for sure.....but my definition of "best" in in agreement with the above statement.