Make sure they screw the barrel on straight and cut a nice chamber, adjust the trigger, bed it properly and it should be a winner. I would bed the first inch of the barrel and let the rest float unless the barrel is a very light contour. For light contour you may need some forend pressure. I am a bit prejudiced as far as pre 64 M70's go. They are my favorite. The middle action screw should not get tightened as tight as the front and rear screws also.
ETA: Any version from 1948-1958 would be my choice. Earlier than 1948 requires mods for scope use and after 1958 they started cutting too many corners for my tastes.
PA Bear Hunter, NRA Benefactor
Posts: 1632 | Location: Potter County, Pennsylvania | Registered: 22 June 2005
Not always. I just purchased a 1947 standard rifle in 30-06. It was bought new as a HS graduation present by the owner's father that summer. SN: 52,xxx. It was drilled and tapped not too long after and fitted with a Redfield Bear Cub 4X. One-piece mount with a single screw in the rear. Stock was also cut out for a peep on the left side.
I shouldn't have said required mods to use a scope. I don't really care for the Transition style safety, and if you change it you have to either relieve the safety a bit or the bolt handle stem. Of course you can use a 1946-1948 as is with no mods. True pre Wars need various mods depending on scope choice. It ought to work great for the conversion to 9.3 x 62.
PA Bear Hunter, NRA Benefactor
Posts: 1632 | Location: Potter County, Pennsylvania | Registered: 22 June 2005
Well, what I've done so far is order a complete pre 64 M70 action. I was promised it would be manuf between 1948 and 1958. Also ordered one of D'Arcy Echols Legend stocks. The Pacnor #3 9.3mm barrel is enroute to Lee Christianson as I write this. Once Lee is done with all his magic it's going off to Charley/CAS to have all metal Cerakoted; likely black. Then I'm making plans to go back up to the Seward Pen for Grizzly.
Alan
Posts: 1719 | Location: Utah | Registered: 01 June 2004
Originally posted by mauser93: Not much needs to be done to that rifle, really, other than trading it for one with an Obendorff Mauser action.
I have many of both, DO prefer the Mausers, Brno ZGs and ZKKs plus FNs in the 9.3x62, but, my buddy has a 20" tubed P-64 with a trimmed lightened Boyd's lam. stock so chambered that I had for awhile and it is a little gem for Grizzly country.
For my .338WM and .375H&H rifles, though, I have tried a lot of actions and my hands-down pick is P-64.
Posts: 2366 | Location: "Land OF Shining Mountains"- British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 20 August 2006
Couple of actions arrived today. The Pacnor #3 barrel was shipped to Lee Christianson this week and I have the D'Arcy Echols Legend stock. I just need to pack up the action and stock and send it off to Lee for his magic. From there, Lee will send it to Charley/CAS for metal Cerakoting, stock painting and pad installment.
Alan
Posts: 1719 | Location: Utah | Registered: 01 June 2004
after 1958 they started cutting too many corners for my tastes.
About 1992 Winchester reintroduced the features that made the "pre-64" coveted. There's enough variation in the Win. 70 models over the years that it takes a reference book to keep track.
Before I'd take a "pre-64" apart and change everything, I'd leave it as is and think about building on a platform that's not quite so collectible in stock config.
I would re-cut loading port, and cut side of bridge for ejection clearance drill & tap for 8 X 40 screws, Trigger re-pinned, sears surface ground & polished. Safety wing timed properly and add new one piece bottom metal.
