New to me Win 70 super express .458

[Bellhp]

Hello all , My first post here and I've already got questions .
Just purchased a mod 70 Super Express made 1989 in New Haven.
Chambered in .458 Win mag.
The rifle is missing it's grip cap and I am trying to find a replacement , Can someone tell me what the original looks like ? is it blued steel , plastic or other material ? I am including a picture of the grip ... there is one hole in the center and one offset . Sorry about pic quality ... I am at sea right now and this is my only picture of the grip .
Thanks in advance for any information ya'll may have .

 

[ldmay375]

I believe Genuine plastic. A Classic Super Express. I think a 1996 model.

 

[Bellhp]

I appreciate the response ... I have found that particular grip cap ( I think) at midwest gun works ... screenshot below ... The only metal versions I have found are reproductions and are matte finished .
I do not know if previous owner had a custom grip cap or just lost his somehow .
I will order that one today , but not stoked on the idea of plastic on this rifle (no offense Idmay375) would be interested in a custom cap with engraving or scrimshaw if someone has any recommendations on a source of those ... my interwebs searches are coming up short .

 

[ldmay375]

Lol, no offense taken. It is, as issued.
If I were to replace it, I think I would go with a color case hardened. But, the factory issue is serviceable for me.

 

[Bellhp]

I ordered the plastic one today ... still curious as to whether my rifle came with a plastic one or not ...might explain why it's missing. Previous owner was avid Buff hunter and this sucker kicks like a mule .
I have another mod 70 XTR in .243 win from the 70's I got new when i was a wee lad and it has an altogether different style of grip cap... black and white plastic.

 

[matt85]

I haven't tried this exact rifle, but I have shot an M70 Safari Express in 458 WM and it ranks among the top three "least comfortable" guns I've ever fired!

I suggest adding weight and maybe some stock extensions. Hard to say what made that gun so awful to shoot... But I would rather shoot through an entire box of 458 lott in a CZ 550 rather than a single shot from that M70 again!

 

[Bellhp]

Yeah Matt , The day I bought it I couldn't wait to shoot it... 3 rds with just a t-shirt on was not the best idea. I've let a few friends shoot it and curiously they all hand it back to me after a few rounds. I love it though ... When vegetarians ask me what I feel when I shoot an animal I can honestly answer "Recoil".