Chuck and Allen, I just had a Krag 30-40 completed by Jerry Fisher, the first he has ever done, undoubtedly the best Krag in the last half century and very likely the best Krag EVER. It is a superlative rifle in every respect by the smith Monte Mandarino, for one, has called our best gunmaker. But when compared to my 1941 SuperGrade M70 there is surprisingly little to choose in fit and finish, yes, I do have to concede Mr. Fisher's superiority (thus vitiating my own previous posts !!!) but it's close.

I can get a good deal on a pre 64 mod70 rifle chambered in 243 which I thought I might get for the action. I was wondering if there are any certain model variants or serial number ranges which are better or more desirable? If it was chambered in 243 ,will it still be a standard magnum length action.

Wally, I think that there's something lost in terms of communication here. Perhaps this is my fault for not writing very well.

I'm an absolute believer in the use of the Model 70 action as the basis for the best custom rifle possible, be that action pre-war, post-war, or Classic in origin. The discussion is as to whether the pre-war rifle and action, as it came from the factory, equals or exceeds the fit and quality of a Model 70 action that's been rebuilt and otherwise refined by a top, high-end, contemporary riflesmith.

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