Would you say that a well-functioning 1950s rebarreled M70 action now in 416 Remington, the barrel's manufacturer unknown and the gunsmith being also unknown- in a nicely figured, cross bolted stock might be worth $1500? I ask because I have $1100 in it already and am thinking about having its uncheckered stock checkered and bedded which I suppose I can get done for another $400.

I bought it from an estate having numerous high grade rifles & shotguns-some custom ; this one seemingly was not quite finished.

I do like the rifle, but I also try to be practical [saometimes].


Thank you for your thoughts and advice.

Bill

Not the craziest thing I ever heard.

If you like the rifle, go for it. It'll only make it better.

Thank you both! Usually when I ask for opinions, it is about something on which my mind is already made up. While I was leaning toward spending a little more on this, I still wished input before I did.

IMO if you are wanting to know the value then I would say definitely worth more with the checkering, when I see a stock without checkering I know there is work I need to have done to it and automatically figure another 250 bucks on it. it could be the sell/no sell point for some buyers if you did want to sell it later. I'd do it.

Red

Thanks Red. My good wife was left handed, but that didn't seem to make her more open to my gun spending sprees

Bill I think you are asking two questions here:
1. If I spend the extra money on checkering, will I get it back if I sell it?
2. Will I enjoy the rifle more with checkering than as it is.
Peter.

Hello Peter

Yes you're correct. That is the dilemma.

1. If I spend the extra money on checkering, will I get it back if I sell it?
2. Will I enjoy the rifle more with checkering than as it is.
3. If I checker it will I be more likely to keep it forever.
4. If I leave it plain will I be more likely to sell it.
5. Do you guys even care?
6. Do I?

Kind of a cerebral circle jerk don't you think?

If you love it checker it, if you don't then set it free!

1. I don't know ; that's why I posted.
2. yes
3.At 70 if checking resulted in my doing anything forever, I'd do it
4. yes
5.I hope many here care about the concerns of others even if those concerns seem petty
6. Do you? I don't know!

All in fun!

Bill, have you actually received a quote for the checkering? If not, you may want to check that out first. I got a rude surprise when I checked. It was a lot more than I expected, especially for something other than "simple point checkering". This may affect your decision.
Good luck, Peter.

JCS : I know, thanks!

Peter: Sherry Abraham (also in Oregon) has sent me her price list. What I want is about $280.

She is a former head checkerer for Kimber and did two really nice stocks in those days when I often paid Great American $5-650 for unfinished xxx ones .

I guess I should go ahead and have it checkered and bedded even if it puts me into the rifle $1500 or more.

But I have another pre 64 which was 300 H&H and some dope (in my opinion) turned the barrel back and rechambered it in a wildcat 300. I am paying $150 to make it 300 winny. And it too has an uncheckered (but bedded)stock...but the wood is highly figured.

BUT (since I am blathering on like some old men do), I just bought a CZ in 416 for $850 which has gorgeous wood , better than either of these. Better than my lazermark. Yeah, I do like wood.

Sorry for my wordiness,

Bill

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No

Rich

I would definitely get it finished!

This is your hobby.
You are passionate about guns.
Your life is enriched each and every time you pick one up.
Guns and gun-related stuff bring you joy.
Life is short.
Do it.

Bill I agree. DO IT! $280 is peanuts and it will always cost more later. If you try to sell it, prospective buyers will always want to factor in the cost of checkering anyway.Good to hear about the CZ. I have one in 416 Rigby. Love it!
Peter.

Yes, do it. I sent one to Ahlman's. It bothered me night and day until i got it done. So, I did it just to put that issue to bed. Now I am so happy I did it, it looks complete and IMHO defintely increased its value.

I appreciate the kind and helpful advice from all of you.

Thank you,

Bill