Newly acquired '55 Model 70

[woodsrunner]

Have had my eyes out for a pre-64 Model 70 hunter in .375 H&H for years though not seriously shopping for one. To slow down (by 50%?) the wear and tear on my existing .375 H&H that gets plenty of miles. Yeah, that's it... why i needed it . This one caught my eye at the right price, exactly the configuration i hunt with in terms of having an aperture sight - 1955 Standard Grade that belonged to a guide along the Alaska highway. At 60 yards it grouped three shots inside 2 inches through the ghost ring off a fencepost. Plenty good enough for my applications. Balances nicely, handles recoil well, looks every bit the icon it is. And I was pleased to discover the pre-64's hold four .375 H&H rounds in the magazine as opposed to three in today's iteration. Limbsaver recoil pad is ugly is my only slight issue, though it's perfectly comfy - will likely replace with a Pachmayr old English red or brown. Cycles like grease through a goose, i reckon the best cycling bolt action i've handled. As soon as i laid eyes on the thing i could see what the fuss was about. An understated arm that's nonetheless handsome as hell and absolutely exudes quality.

 

[Andrew62]

Wow, is that ever a beauty!! Congratulations, great purchase!!

 

[woodsrunner]

Wow, is that ever a beauty!! Congratulations, great purchase!!

Thanks. I distance-bought it after seeing three photos and conversing with the current owner. I have to say I was no less than pleasantly stunned when i opened the case he sent it in. It's not quite in original condition (obviously) but it is in superb shape. More so than i required or expected.

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Have had my eyes out for a pre-64 Model 70 hunter in .375 H&H for years though not seriously shopping for one. To slow down (by 50%?) the wear and tear on my existing .375 H&H that gets plenty of miles. Yeah, that's it... why i needed it . This one caught my eye at the right price, exactly the configuration i hunt with in terms of having an aperture sight - 1955 Standard Grade that belonged to a guide along the Alaska highway. At 60 yards it grouped three shots inside 2 inches through the ghost ring off a fencepost. Plenty good enough for my applications. Balances nicely, handles recoil well, looks every bit the icon it is. And I was pleased to discover the pre-64's hold four .375 H&H rounds in the magazine as opposed to three in today's iteration. Limbsaver recoil pad is ugly is my only slight issue, though it's perfectly comfy - will likely replace with a Pachmayr old English red or brown. Cycles like grease through a goose, i reckon the best cycling bolt action i've handled. As soon as i laid eyes on the thing i could see what the fuss was about. An understated arm that's nonetheless handsome as hell and absolutely exudes quality. View attachment 799884

You can buy reproduction vintage recoil pads if that's of interest:

Reproduction Winchester Recoil Pad

 

[Mekaniks]

Congratulations!

 

[Nosler guy]

That's an awesome rifle - congrats, enjoy

 

[Jhsmith]

I wonder what an NEGC recoil pad would look like on that rifle?

 

[Bullthrower338]

Sweet

 

[Jack Stevens]

Have had my eyes out for a pre-64 Model 70 hunter in .375 H&H for years though not seriously shopping for one. To slow down (by 50%?) the wear and tear on my existing .375 H&H that gets plenty of miles. Yeah, that's it... why i needed it . This one caught my eye at the right price, exactly the configuration i hunt with in terms of having an aperture sight - 1955 Standard Grade that belonged to a guide along the Alaska highway. At 60 yards it grouped three shots inside 2 inches through the ghost ring off a fencepost. Plenty good enough for my applications. Balances nicely, handles recoil well, looks every bit the icon it is. And I was pleased to discover the pre-64's hold four .375 H&H rounds in the magazine as opposed to three in today's iteration. Limbsaver recoil pad is ugly is my only slight issue, though it's perfectly comfy - will likely replace with a Pachmayr old English red or brown. Cycles like grease through a goose, i reckon the best cycling bolt action i've handled. As soon as i laid eyes on the thing i could see what the fuss was about. An understated arm that's nonetheless handsome as hell and absolutely exudes quality. View attachment 799884

Very nice! Congrats!

 

[woodsrunner]

I wonder what an NEGC recoil pad would look like on that rifle?

I think it would look great. Though i doubt the effect would be much different from the Pachmayr "Old English" options. At any rate, i'm in Canada and it is currently illegal under US law for these smaller makers at least to send any firearms related parts here. I was looking into getting one of the Winchester 70 repro pads and was told this. They said they'd happily send one to any friend or relative stateside and that they could then get it to me. I have family down there, so good option, except when looking into that i found out it is illegal under US law for them to do this, too. Pachmayr it will be!

 

[Choupique]

This is some 4k golden rifle porn here. Man thats a fine rifle.

 

[AZDAVE]

The old model 70's just seem to fit in this is a "proper rifle category. "

Had a 300 H&H a number of years ago but gave it to a buddy that was going through hard times.

Since I just seem to be a day late and 100 bucks short on a 300 or 375.

 

[woodsrunner]

The old model 70's just seem to fit in this is a "proper rifle category. "

Had a 300 H&H a number of years ago but gave it to a buddy that was going through hard times.

Since I just seem to be a day late and 100 bucks short on a 300 or 375.

Well-put! There's an aesthetic to the pre-64's that is subtle in singularity yet instantly recognizable once you've seen a few. Oddly perhaps, puts me to mind of certain fine European cars, the circa 2000 BMW M5 say, the ones whose looks while absolute in their aesthetic, there is nothing whatsoever overdone/overt. Pure understated excellence. That's the ol' Model 70 to me, a "proper rifle" indeed. This one has been a long time coming. I saw a few at gunshows in .375 that i'd have jumped at, but all were "display only." An original condition 50's supergrade one year for 4K where i prefer the standard grade. Happy it came together this fall, good luck on your end.