Well, like a lot of others, I have had problems with current model 70's and, indeed, with two pre-64 Africans in the past (one of which I destroyed its collector value by splitting the stock bigtime). My last Safari Express was a 375 of about 1995 vintage which worked OK till one day I fired a factory Silvertip and had to hammer the bolt open. Sent it back to USRAC and they said they fixed it?! Took it to Zim as a back-up rifle but never used it and eventually replaced it with a 602 in 375. Anyway, I have heard some encouraging things about the newer Winchesters, Williams extractor, NECG rear sight, single piece magazine/trigger guard, Miller stock and perhaps better QC, and wanting another 458 as I currently have none (spurred somewhat by the current wave of dissing the caliber), I could not resist the urge to buy one from CDNN for all of $899 plus $13 shipping. Gotta say, so far, I really like this rifle. Seems to be just fine. Have not had a chance to shoot it yet but it feeds and extracts Federals just fine, as fast as I can work it. Finish is great, stout rear sight that is just right for the stock drop, smooth action, everything lines up, heavier than I recall my 375 was, good wood, very crisp trigger, extractor easily slips over chambered round giving it a four shot capacity and good overall balance. We'll see how it shoots but so far (fingers crossed), so good. I keep hoping to get a Winny in medium or big bore that works as well as my pre-64 300H&H and maybe this is it!

Don't ya just hate it when the bug strikes

Yeah Jim, but we're supposed to LEARN from our past mistakes!

Before you shoot it, have it glass bedded, remove the front & rear sights and re-install with loctite. Sounds like you are happy with the trigger.

I split the stock on mine within 50 rounds. Both front and rear sights came loose enough to remove by hand.

Once you get the bugs worked out, it is a great rifle. Good luck with it.

By the way, I also have a Pre-64 M70 "African" Supergrade in 458 and I cringed when I read about you splitting the stock on yours.

Tim

I have the exact same rifle and I really like it. I also had problems with the sights becoming loose though. Will have it glass bedded in the future. What other mods would you guys suggest to make this a reliable DGR? Anyone know of a really good/honest Mod-70 gunsmith in Northern California or nearby to have the work done and just check it out thoroughly? How long ago did Winchester go with NECG sights on the Safari Express?