I have a "post '64" Win Model 70 Classic (CRF) stainless in 30-06. Since this gun has been recently calling to me to receive a "caliber change" operation, I was wondering ...what's the largest "classic" caliber that this can be re-worked for? I have a new Heym in 404 (or will have shortly), but would like start from scratch on this one in another classic bore.

....and I should say...not 375 H&H...I have one that I LOVE...and am looking for something else.

THANKS!!...and Happy New Year.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

Not really a big bore but a 9.3x62 would be a very easy conversion and a great cartridge as well.
Fred

quote:

what's the largest "classic" caliber that this can be re-worked for?

I think the 9.3 X 62 is what you're looking for....very little mods needed.

Thanks for the responses! I should have mentioned that I have a CZ in 9.3 that just went to Africa this past Sept. and performed admiraly on plains game.
Just after I posted this thread, my oldest son (19) said..."what about making ME a 404 since you're getting one?". The audacity!...but it makes me wonder...is a 404 possible on this action without too much trouble?

Thanks in advance.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

I think with the right box on that 70 a 404 would be a piece of cake.
Timan

That is for sure a good idea, an M70 .404 Jeffery. Several of us here have done them that way with superb results. 3-down in a windowed M70 RUM box.

Of course, Stuart could fabricate a drop box of proper dimensions.

Timan/RIP:

Thanks. Now....who would you recommend to build such an item? I can mess with triggers, bedding, etc. but haven't made the ultimate leap to the full gun....and I'd like this done right.

I appreciate your responses and help.

P.S. I'm going to SCI...maybe I should take the action?

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

OK guys.....I'm mentally challenged....TIMAN makes rifles....as a matter of fact, I see you're making New Guy's...the source of MY new 404. If interested, Stuart...please PM me.

THANKS....no more brain-cramps, I promise!

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

GarBy,
That one is so easy that any competent gunsmith can do it. See if Walt Sherman is still working near Tallahassee. The .30-06 M70 action should be same length as the .375 H&H, which is what you need for a .404 Jeffery. Get proper bottom metal and go to town! The current box could be lengthened by removal of the spacer at the rear, and the sides of the sheetmetal box windowed and proper follower and spring inserted.

If you can trade yours for a 300 RUM M70 Classic, it is a simple rebarrel for 3 down in the box, and no feeding issues.

Or go full house proper and get Stuart Satterlee to make a drop box of Mauser-cosine-calculated dimensions.

RIP...thanks. I like what I saw in Stuart's work....and 4 rounds is preferable. I'll wait for his PM.
I MAY want to do part of this myself.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

9.3X62 or .35 Whel will be great and versatile choices

I´d be interested in doing a 9.3x64...or finding a nice rifle already chambered for the caliber.

I´ve bought a few rifles in -06 that I haven´t really had much oppurtunity to shoot yet...maybe I´ll just concentrate on them?

Well.....she'll be on her way to Stuart next week. Now the waiting game.....kind of like waiting for grapes to turn into a fine wine.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

Well, Stu certainly will build you a great 404, and if you had chosen someone else, I would have to suggest a "lessor" caliber..


Got your blank picked out yet?
jeffe

Jeffe:

Not yet. Stuart has 3 or 4 blanks that he rates as XX in lieu of the XXX that Chris is using....but it still has nice figure and some dark lines thru it. It will be a bit of a working rifle so strength is as important as beauty to me. I'll look at what he has available and then decide. This is my first "custom" rifle...although I own a few very nice higher end "off the shelf" long guns. Once things progress...I'll update no doubt.

Thanks.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

Gray,
good on you!! enjoy the build.

remember, even an amazing blank rarely adds any real money to the build...

jeffe

Jeffe:

I agree completely with your statement. While I certainly admire a nice piece of wood, the #'s go up very quickly when you start going for the very best....and I don't think they shoot any straighter .

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer

Gary,
Yep... and you wind up too worried about a +$1000 piece of wood to take it out in the woods... I like 200-400$ blank myself.. in all honesty, I prefer tight grain quartersawn wood to all the fancy stuff...

sure tends to hold up on my big stuff... but, then again, weatherby proved that stained claro can hold up too!!

jeffe