What is so great about a Pre-64

10 May 2004, 15:29

Quote:

Hot Core, I'd like to hear you brag.

Chuck

LOL!

10 May 2004, 16:07

Chris F

Kutenaymtnboy,
The "Talon" was produced by Wes Harris who purchased one of the McMillan gunmaking businesses. He operated under the McMillan name for a while, but from what I gather, a problem arose and he had to rename it Harris Gunworks.

Gale McMillan had nothing to do with the Talon.

I've hunted with several Pre '64's over the years, and relish the feel and function, probably because that's what was ingrained into me early in my hunting. However, these days, I think hard before taking one into the field. They now have too much collector and sentimental value to risk damaging (a hard lesson learned with a Sako Finnwolf just a few years back). Most recently I reached for a Rem700 on a goat hunt and it did the job nicely.

11 May 2004, 01:51

Hot Core

Quote:

...I'd like to hear you brag. ...

Hey Chuck, No thanks.

So you will understand though, I've got access to a good number of old working plantations that have Predation Permits. They are issued by the Game Departments to control crop damage and allow "killing" around the clock all year long.

Due to the lengthy growing season these plantations maintain rather large groups of field hands that live on the properties. And the normal Hunters For The Hungry programs also receive meat. So, the meat is not wasted.

Lots of calibers, lots of rifles, varied hunting conditions and most worked great irregardless of the cost. But I do have "my" preferences and the Pre-64 M70s just aren't what I want. As I've said before, it "you" like them I'm happy for you.

...

The old, "They sure don't make them like they used to!", comment is very valid today. As for me, I'm sure glad they don't. And that applies to firearms, bullets, powder, primers, cases and cleaning equipment.

11 May 2004, 05:02

500grains

Pre-64's did not handle escaping gas very well and a lot of it vented back into the shooter's face. I prefer a model 98, even if it takes a lot of work to get it to the smoothness of a pre-64.

And then there's the metallurgy...

11 May 2004, 05:32

Clark

On the collectibiltiy:
I visited a ranch in Montana in 1982 where I was shown a large pre 64 Win 70 collection. The owner said that when he tried to collect more at the big gun shows in Nevada, he could not find any more nice pieces.

I think the Win 70 premium has been constant for a long time, and the things now rising in value are other guns.