I have what appears to be a pre-64 Winchester mod 70 stock. When laid next to my other pre-64 stocks it looks identical. However, the inletting for the front floorpate mounting hole is about 3/4 to 1 inch longer and thus the floorplate won't mount properly. the trigger guard fits perfectly. Any ideas?

One-piece bottom metal versus two-piece bottom metal?

George

Somebody relocated the front screw to the recoil lug where it is supposed to be. See my post in the classified for a photo.

magnum ?

quote:

Originally posted by kda55:
Somebody relocated the front screw to the recoil lug where it is supposed to be. See my post in the classified for a photo.

Dave Talley made custom bottom metal for the model 70's with the front guard screw relocated in the lug like that.

you are correct kda55, thats exactly what it looks like. My problem is, I don't have any bottom metal that works with it.

I believe Ted Blackburn's magnum also requires the lug placement for the bottom metal. I will check mine tonight and let you know. In any case, I "think" I will be selling the untouched bottom metal shortly. Bought it from Ted a while ago, wanted to use it on a .375 but the donor 300 shoots far too well, so that is out, and there is no reason to alter the 300 with bottom metal, stock, etc. I will check on the front screw placement in a little while and get back to you. Arthur Olds

I know where you can get one. Only costs $2500 but comes with many accessories, some attached to the bottom metal itself!!

You have a Model 54 stock

After a little research, you might be correct. It looks exactly like a model 70 stock except for the elongated front hole. The stock is in outstanding shape, no marks of any kind. I'll have to put it up for sale aas I have no use for it.

A reaader on another forum has suggested that this is not a model 54 stock because of the checkering pattern which is the same as for a model 70 and also it does not have a schnaubel font end as a 54 would have. I know they made a carbine version stock which is different.

Later model 54 stocks are the same externally as pre 64 m70 stocks other than the inletting differences - tg/floorplate, guard screws etc.

Win moved that screw from the lug to the flat on purpose to improve accuracy. I don't know where people are saying moving it back to the lug are coming up with the idea that they are smarter than Winchester. That move is a large part of what made the rifleman's rifle what it is.

There were half a million pre 64's made and they are highly collectible. They made very few few m54's, 25-50k, and they don't bring as much as the most beat up, modified m70. As far as numbers go they should be very valuable. Collectors may want them but hunters and shooters don't.