I am looking at an older, post 64 M70 with CRF, s/n G1814xx. It has a monte carlo type stock and the barrel swivel is not the band type, but welded or tacked to the underside of the barrel.

Any idea on Winchester quality at this time or any other comment on this configuration?

Thanks

It sounds like the Super Express grade. That should be on the floor plate. Is a .375,.416 or .458 caliber?

That would make it an "M70 Classic Super Express" then, from about 1992 to 2000, more specific date by serial number listing is not at hand for me.

I do have an M70 Classic Super Express .375 H&H s/n G2866xx from the mid to late 1990's, and it is of fine quality, so your prospect should be one of the earlier Classics, made before quality control went south. My M70 Classic Stainless .375 H&H has s/n G1398xx and was from the first batch of Classics that showed up on dealer shelves in Alaska about 1992-1993, IIRC.

Sumbuddy has that list of serial numbers by dates handy?

The barrel sling stud is the usual Winchester method on the Super Express. No problem.

There is a recoil lug on that barrel too, if the rifle is .375 or larger, blue and walnut. And it has the trademark fold-down rear sight.
The only thing I would change about the rifle is the iron sights.

The M70 Classic Stainless .375 H&H in synthetic stock (of perfectly shaped tupperware BTW) has no recoil lug on the barrel, nor barrel based sling stud.

I actually like the older Winchester Monte Carlo "Super Express" stock style better than the last walnut ones made, for the "M70 Classic Safari Express." The latter are negative drop at the heel, straight comb, i.e., the heel is actually higher than the nose of the comb, not as good with iron sights, primarily a scope-sight stock.

The older stock is a better compromise for use of irons and scope. Just needs better iron sights.

I says _'Classic Super Express" on the barrel and "Super Express" on the floor plate.

thanks for the help.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
I says _'Classic Super Express" on the barrel and "Super Express" on the floor plate.

thanks for the help.

As "it" should say, that is standard marking.

I have the same rifle, which I bought new. Mine came with a plastic grip cap and that was an easy change since there are steel Winchester grip caps that aren't expensive. They made steel grip caps for the Super Grade rifles and I have no idea why they didn't put one on the Classic Super Express. Mine almost always has the scope on it so I don't mind the sights. I changed the front sight and my irons work just fine but I have never used them on game.

I have two of these, one in .375 and one in .458. Both are of good quality with no issues. I haven't played with to many of the post 2000 express models, but the two mod 70 after 2000 that crossed my path were nothing to brag about.

I've had them in 375 and 458. Currently have a 416. I sold this one a while ago and managed to buy it back, had to pay more but it'll never leave now. Great rifles.

I found the quality better on the earlier ones with the monte carlo stock. Given a choice I'd choose that one over the later one, hands down.