Definitely a novice here, so be nice.

I have a pre 64 mod 70 action. Originally a 30-06. Is it possible to make a magnum action out of this? maybe a 375 or a 458 wm?

You sure can do. All it takes is money to pay the 'smith!

The M70s are capable of handling magnum rounds but are not really magnum length actions. So yes, but it would probably be cheaper for you and less of a headache to buy one of the new M70s from FN with all the work done at the factory.

People around here not nice?!

I am not a gunsmith, so maybe I need correcting on this, however I think a 458 win being standard length would work fine in the mod70.

I will agree with viper on it as far as money goes. If you want a nice custom, yes it can be done, but if you just want a magnum you might be ahead, or less out, if you sell the pre-64 and buy an already made 70 safari express. I think I saw one for sale reasonable in the classifieds recently. I have one and love it (other than my face not liking factory stocks).

Red

yes - though you'd be miles ahead buying the complete rifle from CZ or winchester ... or buy my Ruger RSM in 458 lott, which is better than all of the above .. its in the classifieds

All Pre-64s started life with identical external dimensions, then they got made into everything from 22 Hornets to 458 Win Mags and 375 H&Hs. If you have a standard Pre-64 it can be turned into a 375 or 458 (Winnie or Lott) rather easily.

A competent gunsmith can open the action and bolt face for your chosen cartridge. Keep in mind, it will require new bottom metal and mag box, along with increasing amounts of money as you move along the continuum from standard magnums to long magnums.

You didn't ask what's the cheapest way to get a 375 or 458 so I'll leave that to be answered by the resident experts.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
You didn't ask what's the cheapest way to get a 375 or 458 so I'll leave that to be answered by the resident experts.

What ForrestB said, PLUS ONE!

There is only ONE old model 70 action.

I do find it a bit amusing that every custom built rifle using a 98 Mauser goes thru the same process in becoming a magnum of any sort that is considered nothing short of daunting here.