I stumbled across this Ad for an M70:
WINCHESTER MODEL 70 .458 BOLT RIFLE
JEWELED ACTION AND FLOOR PLATE,MUZZLE BRAKE
GUN IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND HAS VERY LOW ROUND COUNT-UNDER 10
WILL TAKE DOWN ANY BIG GAME ANIMAL,GREAT FOR ANY FINE GUN COLLECTION.
$1000.00 FIRM (BAY AREA) AND WILL SHIP TO FFL

To me, "Firm" is an opinion these days.

I've asked him if it's a Classic Safari Express, what he means by jeweled action (I hope it's not the exterior), who's muzzle brake is on it and what if anything was done to the front sight band.

I've asked him for pictures, so is there anything else I should know first?

What's an almost new Classic Express or Super Express in 458 WM worth these days?

You want it to be a Controlled Round Feed, If its a Push feed its worthless in my opinion on a .458. I don't know what a Jewelled Floor plate would be. If it is a CRF Model 70, the muzzle break would Devalue the gun if you are looking for a collector. But for a grand I could live with it, take it off etc. I like pictures around the tang, grip, magazine box area and the sides (checking for dings)

Model 70's that are CRF are anyones guess, it really comes down to demand, and since the supply is low, they are worth some good money especially in .458. When they sold new last, they were around $929 (three years ago), so even adding a bit for appreciation, and such, I figure a grand would be a pretty good deal.

Jeweled floor plate?, muzzlebrake too bad but can be removed. Still a good deal if CRF.

on my m70 .458 the "magazine follower" is jeweled, just like the bolt... perhaps that what he means...

quote:

Originally posted by jimatcat:
on my m70 .458 the "magazine follower" is jeweled, just like the bolt... perhaps that what he means...

I'm hoping that he means jeweled bolt and follower. The guy lives in the San Francisco Bay area so you know his head probably isn't right.

To me that means jeweled floorplate and that might mean Super Grade.

I emailed the guy and the bolt and follower are jeweled, not the action. He couldn't tell me anything else because he's "not a gunsmith". ??? He's going to send me pictures

Hopefully the muzzly break also came with a threaded cap. I have a 458 Safari Clasic that the previous owner put the break on, makes scope, sight adjustments too easy. If not, a cap could be fitted for it relatively easily. I still can't get over the value of the mod 70's since their halt of production began, but what can you do. Three years ago I paid $1,400 for one in 458 win and that came with a Swarovski PH ill reticle circle dot scope. Then again, three years ago I didn't pay $3.50 a gallon for gas. I am in San Jose, if you want a local set of eyes to look at it, I could arrange a visit.

John

quote:

Originally posted by sierrabravo45:
You want it to be a Controlled Round Feed, If its a Push feed its worthless in my opinion on a .458.

Why? Why yes, of course. Everyone says so. A no-brainer.

No one in their right mind, when putting themselves in harms way chasing DG that could stomp you any old time, before you get a shot off or after 7 or more even, would dare use a PF that, well sure it will work perfectly. . . if used normally.

But if you can't work a bolt back and forth, all other danger pales into insignificance.

quote:

Originally posted by JAL:

quote:

Originally posted by sierrabravo45:
You want it to be a Controlled Round Feed, If its a Push feed its worthless in my opinion on a .458.

Why? Why yes, of course. Everyone says so. A no-brainer.

No one in their right mind, when putting themselves in harms way chasing DG that could stomp you any old time, before you get a shot off or after 7 or more even, would dare use a PF that, well sure it will work perfectly. . . if used normally.

But if you can't work a bolt back and forth, all other danger pales into insignificance.

I'd be more concerned about the Rainbow Camo pattern on the stock.

Well sure, if you gonna die, let it not be laughing.