I have found a rifle on consignment locally that is a Pre-War Model 70 that was rebarreled with what was described as a "period barrel maker barrel" in 257 Roberts. The rifle was hideously restocked in a home attempt at a carved Monte Carlo which was never finished.

The guy wants $650 but will take $500 for it. Is that fair for what I consider to be a donor action and maybe barrel? My goal is to have it rebored to 7mm, turned down to FWT contour, then set back and chambered to 7x57mm or 280Rem .

If the action has not been dicked with, it's a good price. Make sure the bolt handle hasn't been scalloped for scope clearance. What type of safety is on the rifle?

Keep in mind, a pre-war can cost a little more to "modernize" than a Pre-64. I like the pre-War actions and am willing to pay the extra coin, but it might not be worth it to you.

As a former high power rifle competitor, I always preferred pre-War actions for my match rifles. They were much smoother to operate than the later versions. They also have clip slots, needed for reloading in rapid fire.

I submit that even if the bridge or the left side of the receiver have been drilled and tapped and even if the bolt handle has been messed with, $500 is a fair price for the action. If it hasn't been "modified" in any way, then $500 is a steal.

I suspect there are original pre-War or transition model stocks floating around at a reasonable price. I believe I may have one which has the barrel channel opened up for a varmint weight barrel. I suggest you find an appropriate stock and shoot it for a while before altering it.

BTW, there is no need to set back the barrel, unless the original chamber is rough. A .257 Roberts chamber should clean up nicely to 7X57, and certainly to .280 Remington.

Unless you are dead set on a pre war m70 action there are numerous later models that can be picked up for less and would require less work. I was just looking at a vintage 71 push feed in 95% condition for $350 that would make a great donor for my 338-06 project.

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Finlander:
Unless you are dead set on a pre war m70 action there are numerous later models that can be picked up for less and would require less work. I was just looking at a vintage 71 push feed in 95% condition for $350 that would make a great donor for my 338-06 project.

Sometimes the lowest dollar unit isn't what is wanted.

A few comments:

(1) Original (cloverleaf tang) stocks are VERY difficult to find and will cost more than what you paid for this rifle

(2) Snap it up for $500....the action's worth every penny...you're not interested in an original rifle

quote:

Originally posted by 7mmfreak:

My goal is to have it rebored to 7mm, turned down to FWT contour, then set back and chambered to 7x57mm or 280Rem .

That seems like potentially a lot of expense to rework the barrel inside and out. Why not just have a new custom barrel fitted to your liking?