Hello,
Local gunshop has 1954mfg m70 375H&H Std grade for sale (SSN 331,xxx). By SSN would put it at 1955, but front sight ramp machined onto bbl w/ stipled surface which I believe stopped in 1954. Orig bbl, no reblue, perfect bore - looks to have been shot very, very little. Has orig rear sight (2 toggling blades for lack of better way to explain), w/ period aftermarket side mounted rear peep (?Lyman-didn't look too closely). Bolt face doesn't show any signs of scorching, and locks up perfectly. Negatives: stock cut at Left side of action to accomadate the peep (~3/4" wide by 1/4" deep) and cut at rear ~1/2" w/ old ventilated Pach pad; stock is however in perfectly servicable order. Comes w/ old one piece steel Redfield base/rings. Shop asking $1800.
Would not be buying for collector value, so much as a gun to use and enjoy. I've heard all of the concerns about inferior metallurgy, poor gas handling, etc. but would think my daily commute rates higher bodily risk. I have another p64 in 30-06 my dad gave me and love the older rifles.
Curious to hear what everyone thinks.

Thanks,
Bill Shear

The price is reasonable, but perhaps a tad high. $2K if the gun were not altered. I would offer $1500 and see what happens. But if you really like the rifle, at $1800 you are not getting in too deep although it may be hard to resell for the same price anytime soon.

I spent quite a while looking at pre-64 Win. M70s in .300 and .375 H&H Mag. not too long ago. Based on that, I'd say that $1,500-1,600 for the rifle you describe would be a fair price and so $1,800 seems a bit high to me.