While attending local gunshow, friend of mine walked over to my table and handed me a barreled action, pre 64 Mod. 70 Winchester which had obviously been a fire, house or otherwise. Asked me what I could do with it as far as restoring and said I could have it checked RC wise, magnafluxed, polished out, etc. He said that was good for it was mine and if it worked out great, and it was mine. Barrel is bowed/warped a bit and that is not a problem replacement wise, but in the event the integrity of the reciver is there, can one scource the trigger spring, floorplate latch spring, detent spring in bolt shroud, extractor, firing pin spring, firing pin, etc.?? Could not see any pitting/rustspots/gouges, etc. on the action at all and the writing is quite clear. If the action is salvageable will restore to workable condition, but question is are the parts readily availble?? Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.

martin

I've always heard that if the springs(thin steel) are still springy then the temper of the receiver (thick steel) has not been lost and the action may be reused. I've known of several that were like that and were successfully rebuilt.

Bruce

Many years ago a friend had a bad house fire and all of his guns were severely damaged. The only way the insurance company would pay was for him to have them rebuilt. Cost probably double what it would ahve cost them to repalce the guns. The guns are all still in service today, but it is a mighty expensive way to do things.

If you just want the action and can get it for a cheap price, then that is one thing, but if you wnat it restored, understand that it will cost you a fortune. Pre-64 M70 fire guns was talked about last week on this forum.

Other than some favors done for the original owner, stock work, magazines, etc., I have nothing in the Winchester. If the bolt and action are suitable, the other parts I have pretty much sourced out and my primary goal was to salvage just the action. Barrel and 'smith work is readily available at reasonalbe cost and again, if that action/bolt can be salvaged I would then have "the core" for whatever down the road. I checked Wisner for various small spares and looks like a good source. Bottom metal other than plate release spring, looks fine, no warpage. I will replace all springs of course but all hinges on the report from testing of receiver in a week or so. Yes, I would imagine a complete restoration back to orignial condition would be quite pricey. Thanks for the feedback.

martin

I think we need an OSHA investigation of pre-64 Winchester rifles to see how/if they are causing all these fires.

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:
I think we need an OSHA investigation of pre-64 Winchester rifles to see how/if they are causing all these fires.

No kidding. I have a few unruly M70's in the shop right this minute I'm thinking I might have to isolate before they start any fires trouble.

The pre-64 M-70 action isn't exactly hard to get....they're out there all the time.....you may have to buy an entire rifle and salvage the action from it.....

When one looks at the cost to salvage a (assumed) "fire relieved" action compared to starting with a "good" one....I really wonder if it's worth it.....

Just ask yourself this question.....

If you was at a gunshow and saw a beautiful Custom M-70 for sale and the seller was honest and telling you that the action had been salvaged from a house fire.....would you buy it?.....and if so.....at what price.

Personally, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole!....and I don't care who (supposedly) did the restoration!

If it got hot enough to bow the barrel ,the action would most likely have to be re-heat treated !Same with the bolt .Firing pin, all springs, trigger group, and some other parts should be scrapped.

Hello,
I would definitely agree on what you say. If I can salvage the receiver alone, I have a fair amount of spares I can complete the action, but if it needs heat treated, won't proceed with the project. I have no intentions of selling the rifle if I can rebuild it for as mentioned, would not want to do so and not tell someone that the gun had been exposed to high heat/fire for not a good thing to do. The plan I have if all these things come together is to rebarrel in a caliber such as 35 Remington for a short barreled brush gun or short range stand gun which is a "fit" here in W.Va. Would make a handy item w/ about a 20" barrel, Lyman 48/low power quality scope for sight system. Truth of the matter I am hoping it will not "pass muster" and prevent me from dropping hundreds of dollars for another rifle!! Thanks for the feedback.

martin