quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:

what does post 68 mean?

I think was 1968 when the slot in the right lug was intruduced as a bolt guide.

thanks Mike ... so, a modification to the pushfeed? (chuckle) ... I don't believe I would notice .. I like pushfeeds, don't get me wrong, but to me a big bore and a push feed are, well, just a hunting rifle, not a DGR ..

probably an uttler meaningless distiction on my part.

The pre and post 68 is a serial number issue. The gun control act of 1968 required all US manufacturers to add a letter to the serial number.

The anti-bind slot in the lower edge of the right lug occurred very early in the production in mid 1965 or 1966 unless I am mistaken. ETA: Anti-bind featrue was a 1968 modification.

As an added note. I have only personally seen 1964 and 1965 serial numbered M70's without the anti-bind slot. They looked a heck of a lot like a pre 64 as far as metal finish. The lack of the claw was the big giveaway. Also I have seen serial numbers that don't jive. Pre 64 ended at 581471 and then they were restarted at 700000 for post 64. I have seen post 64 numbers below 700000, but they were either Sears models or 670 and 770 Winchesters. Those three models typically had a bunch of non-standard parts. I will assume that Winchester did that to exhaust parts supplies. I.E. the 1966 model 670 had a "unique" firing pin that was pure pre 64 on the front end and post 64 on the sear end. It also lacked any provisions for the three position safety. I assume they had an abundance of pre 64 firing pin spring retaining collars to use up.

Winchester has the same problem of many other manufacturers. List it in the catalog but none in stock. I ordered a new Model 70 in 338 win mag about 3 months ago and at the same time a buddy ordered a Model 70 super grade in 300 win mag. We have yet to see either gun.

We did order from a friend with a small sporting goods store so he is probaly not high up on anyones list but they still need to ship what is on order.

BigB