Wanted To Buy: Pre-64 Model 70

bobdahunter84 · May 28, 2026

I have an idea for a custom job I'd like to have done and need a donor action. I'm looking for a standard long action (30-06 or 270, etc.). Not looking for something beat to hell but given the intentions the barrel is of no consequence and the stock is of minimal consequence (although depending on shape I may have a different gun for that...) I do want one that hasn't been toyed with (feed rail modifications, etc.). I'm also not interested in one that had a gazillion holes drilled for Lyman mounts or Pachymyr flip mounts either, etc.

They are the easiest pre 64 Model 70 variant to find, so I obviously have other options I've found online. But thought I'd try here before committing elsewhere.

Ontario Hunter · May 28, 2026

Maybe keep an eye out for good 98 Mauser actions. They are also great donor for build projects. Lots of aftermarket stuff for them. The stripper clip slot is about the only appreciable difference between Mauser and Model 70 and any gunsmith can take care of that if it bugs you. I built a very nice 404 Jeffery on a standard action military 8mm Czech vz.24 Mauser. And did it in three months!

bobdahunter84 · May 28, 2026

Appreciate the feedback. I collect pre 64 Model 70's, so I wasn't really intending on changing that part of things.

I'm actually having 3 guns built with identical components chambered differently, so this is the only action I need because 1 is already in process and the other I already own with a barrel that's shot out.

Ray B · May 28, 2026

Ontario Hunter said:
The stripper clip slot is about the only appreciable difference between Mauser and Model 70

Really?? i guess the safety, the none split locking lug, the bolt stop, trigger and a few other differences are "inconsequential".

rookhawk · May 28, 2026

Ontario Hunter said:
Maybe keep an eye out for good 98 Mauser actions. They are also great donor for build projects. Lots of aftermarket stuff for them. The stripper clip slot is about the only appreciable difference between Mauser and Model 70 and any gunsmith can take care of that if it bugs you. I built a very nice 404 Jeffery on a standard action military 8mm Czech vz.24 Mauser. And did it in three months!

I hate to give credit, but credit is due. The Model 70 in pre-64 configuration is a very good rifle for a custom build, but the 270s and 30-06s tend to be in the something-teen hundred dollars. A classic 98 mauser is 99% the same, minus the model 70 safety and the port that keeps gasses from blowing back in your face.

If I had peanuts budget and wanted the best rifle ever, I would go to Cabelas.com and I'd search for custom Mausers regardless of caliber. I'd buy the one regardless of caliber with the most high-quality upgrades on it and the nicest wood. For $500, make it any caliber the bolt face will tolerate or modify the bolt face and do as thou wilt.

Both are excellent, explore both options.

Ontario Hunter · May 28, 2026

Ray B said:
Really?? i guess the safety, the none split locking lug, the bolt stop, trigger and a few other differences are "inconsequential".

I guess I assumed if one is going to build on a Mauser he would opt for a Model 70 style safety and replace the trigger. Bolt stop is a bit different for sure. Both are slotted in the bolt. Mauser through the locking lug and Model 70 through the bolt body. Not a huge difference. Both are CRF and that is the big similarity.

rookhawk · May 28, 2026

Ontario Hunter said:
I guess I assumed if one is going to build on a Mauser he would opt for a Model 70 style safety and replace the trigger. Bolt stop is a bit different for sure. Both are slotted in the bolt. Mauser through the locking lug and Model 70 through the bolt body. Not a huge difference. Both are CRF and that is the big similarity.

The bare-minimum quality mod-70 style safety is $165 plus bluing and install. Fine for a non-DG rifle. A good win70 safety from Germany runs $300-400 plus install. (I broke a cheapo on a DG hunt)

Point being, the parts in total need to be analyzed to figure out if custom 98 or pre-64 win70 should be the donor.

rookhawk · May 28, 2026

Ray B said:
Really?? i guess the safety, the none split locking lug, the bolt stop, trigger and a few other differences are "inconsequential".

I love this angry post. Arguing if a win70 or an m98 is better indicates everything else sucks. Win-Win. Resume killing each other.

Ontario Hunter · May 28, 2026

rookhawk said:
The bare-minimum quality mod-70 style safety is $165 plus bluing and install. Fine for a non-DG rifle. A good win70 safety from Germany runs $300-400 plus install. (I broke a cheapo on a DG hunt)

Point being, the parts in total need to be analyzed to figure out if custom 98 or pre-64 win70 should be the donor.

I bought a $200 Parkwest Model 70 safety in the white and it did initially have an issue with staying locked in position 2 when cycled. The middle position hole in the lever for plunger was not quite drilled in the right spot. They offered to send me a replacement but the gunsmith who put on the barrel had a lever on hand and he swapped them. Parkwest was supposed to send him the replacement. It's worked fine since. I've not heard anyone else having a complaint with those. Myers are better I think but a bit more $$$ too. The Model 70 safeties are a little tricky to install and perhaps that was the problem with yours? The similar side lever 2-position striker safeties (Chapman, Wisner) are definitely more difficult to install.

I thought my Mauser bolt had a gas escape port. Or was it my Springfield? One of them.

M70375! · May 28, 2026

bobdahunter84 said:
Appreciate the feedback. I collect pre 64 Model 70's, so I wasn't really intending on changing that part of things.

I'm actually having 3 guns built with identical components chambered differently, so this is the only action I need because 1 is already in process and the other I already own with a barrel that's shot out.

would you be interested in a pre 64 375 H&H in 98%. condition, $2500 ?

Boardwalk72 · May 28, 2026

Are you looking for a newer pre-64 or older? I have a 1940 chambered in 30-06 that I was saving for a project, one that I honestly will probably never get to.

rookhawk · May 28, 2026

Ontario Hunter said:
I bought a $200 Parkwest Model 70 safety in the white and it did initially have an issue with staying locked in position 2 when cycled. The middle position hole in the lever for plunger was not quite drilled in the right spot. They offered to send me a replacement but the gunsmith who put on the barrel had a lever on hand and he swapped them. Parkwest was supposed to send him the replacement. It's worked fine since. I've not heard anyone else having a complaint with those. Myers are better I think but a bit more $$$ too. The Model 70 safeties are a little tricky to install and perhaps that was the problem with yours? The similar side lever 2-position striker safeties (Chapman, Wisner) are definitely more difficult to install.

I thought my Mauser bolt had a gas escape port. Or was it my Springfield? One of them.

The $165 bottom of the barrel is the Dakota. They use a roll pin that can be overcome with 15lbs of force.

Ontario Hunter · May 28, 2026

rookhawk said:
The $165 bottom of the barrel is the Dakota. They use a roll pin that can be overcome with 15lbs of force.

Parkwest took over Dakota. My Parkwest Mauser safety was $200 in the white new on eBay (factory was vendor) but I think they have gone up in price since 2023. Parkwest retaining pins are not roll pins. Solid steel. The lever would probably break before those pins sheered. I peened one end slightly to ensure it stays put. I believe Myers uses a screw rather than push pin.

Mtn_Infantry · May 28, 2026

I’ve been thinning the herd, and once back from Mozambique I planned on potentially selling a few more.

I know I’ve got a 300H&H I’m gonna part with, likely a couple 270’s or 30-06’s, and potentially a couple other calibers.

illini · May 28, 2026

Mtn_Infantry said:
I’ve been thinning the herd, and once back from Mozambique I planned on potentially selling a few more.

I know I’ve got a 300H&H I’m gonna part with, likely a couple 270’s or 30-06’s, and potentially a couple other calibers.

Now we are getting somewhere

illini · May 28, 2026

My advise, drink tequila with your best friend and African Hunting buddy and get on gun broker. That's how I ended up with a pre 64 270 last weekend.

Maskell Shotgun academy · May 28, 2026

Mtn_Infantry said:
I’ve been thinning the herd, and once back from Mozambique I planned on potentially selling a few more.

I know I’ve got a 300H&H I’m gonna part with, likely a couple 270’s or 30-06’s, and potentially a couple other calibers.

getting rid of those old junk 70's huh ???

Daryl S · May 28, 2026

I have a M70 .30 GVT 06 s# 1830 made in Sept of 1936 that I could sell. Has the original rudder safety (like a sopwith camel). Shoots sub 3/4" with both 165 and 180gr. Hornady SP's. Cycles and feeds beautifully.
It is drilled and tapped for Weaver bases. Looking for offers.

Ray B · May 28, 2026

rookhawk said:
I love this angry post.

Interesting when posters project their anger. there was nothing "angry" about the post that pointed out some of the differences between the two actions and questioned if those differences were substantial.

Mtn_Infantry · May 28, 2026

Maskell Shotgun academy said:
getting rid of those old junk 70's huh ???

A couple but there aren’t that many junk ones. Those are easy to move. I need to decide if I want to start selling 3 digit serial number guns, and the more uncommon calibers and configurations

Wanted To Buy: Pre-64 Model 70

bobdahunter84

Ontario Hunter

bobdahunter84

Ray B

rookhawk

Ontario Hunter

rookhawk

rookhawk

Ontario Hunter

M70375!

Boardwalk72

rookhawk

Ontario Hunter

Mtn_Infantry

illini

illini

Maskell Shotgun academy

Daryl S

Ray B

Mtn_Infantry

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