Pre-64 M70 Rebuild Ideas

[Mtn_Infantry]

Several of y'all know I've got a pretty good collection or Pre-64 Winchester Model 70's. I have a transition M70 in .300 H&H that I'd call a shooter/builder gun. I got into it for a decent price, knowing it wouldn't be worth much to a collector. With 4 other Pre-64 M70 300 H&H's in the safe it's time to either turn this one into cash for something else, or build something with it. The metal on the gun is probably in 80-85% condition. Barrel has been chopped to 22.5 Inches, the stock has been chopped to a 12.5" LOP, narrowed, cheek piece re-shapped, and completely re-checkered. That said I have an extra Wood Stock for it. However my dilemma is what to do with it. I've spoken to several different gunsmiths who've all had varying ideas. Depending if they're a purist or modern the ideas have run the gamut (kinda like a tattoo artist when you tell them to get creative). Figured this might be an interesting topic to post hear and I might get some other ideas. I will say I have many caliber options covered with other Pre-64's many with multiples hitting different period or types (.243, .264WM .270, .308, .30-06, .300 H&H, .338WM, .375, etc). I've also recently scratched the Big Bore itch with a .500NE and have a .470NE on order. Below are some of the ideas I've been thought of/been given and liked. A few I liked but not sure I'd use them given the .375 and the doubles. Throw some ideas or some votes out there

1) Rebarrel to .375 H&H and retire the super grade to the safe
2) Rebarrel to .300 WM or .458WM - H&H Action would be a waste and would need to be tweaked to prevent feeding issues
3) Build a modern .300 WM or .300 PRC in a mcmillan stock and possible a proof barrel for all weather hunting. .300 PRC at first glance is a couple thousandths too long and the tip on the ELD-X catches in the magazine. Could probably seat a little deeper and bump the chamber back a little.
4) Rebarrel to .458 Lott or .404 Jeffery
5) Sell and put the money towards something else
6) Rebarrel as a .300 H&H or .300 Wby
7) Restock, add irons and turn it into a brush gun
8) Rebarrel to some sort of .416 variant

 

[TroyF]

Think I would re-barrel to 375 h&h

 

[Proneshooter]

Use a Matrix Gunsmithing integral barrel in 9.3x64 and a nice wood stock.

 

[Daggaboy375]

Number 1.

Just make a 375 H&H tool.

DB

 

[Phil Giordano]

To me - 375H&H, drop box, classic "Old English" shape, 24" barrel, quarter rib.
It will be awesome

 

[Strausser]

.300 H&H is what I’d do,because I’ve never had one.
And in your case,it’s classic,useful,and since you’re covered on the big bore front,why not?

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

400 H&H

 

[Pole Pole]

Develop your own wildcat based on the 300 H&H case. Maybe go down to 7 m/m or up 33/300 or 35/300 or?

 

[358 Norma]

416 Remington

 

[TSIBINDI]

...You likely have a cartridge in mind, but if I had your "Problem" I'd get a Krieger barrel in .404 Jeffery.

 

[Traveler1]

#4- 404 Jeffery or #5, sell to a fellow Texan, since you already have 4 300s.

 

[Angelo_orygun]

My vote is a 375 that you aren’t afraid to scratch - synthetic/creakote, or a 404!

I am in the same boat, I have a 1955 375 action that is wanting to be assembled into something!

 

[318AE]

I like the look of the work shown below. I’d certainly stick with either a 300 or 375 H&H, or it just seems things will start getting much more expensive, when you are trying to take advantage of a builder action etc.

http://www.rjrenner.com/pre-war-77.html

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

.300 H&H is what I’d do,because I’ve never had one.
And in your case,it’s classic,useful,and since you’re covered on the big bore front,why not?

I own 4 other Pre64's in 300 H&H. I think I've more than covered that caliber

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

My vote is a 375 that you aren’t afraid to scratch - synthetic/creakote, or a 404!

I am in the same boat, I have a 1955 375 action that is wanting to be assembled into something!

My top two choices are a .375 work horse or either the 404/458 Lott option. Definitely open to other ideas. I hadn't even considered the 404/458 Lott. I thought about 458WM and the gunsmith smiled and said go Lott, you can still shoot 458WM.

 

[fourfive8]

I’d be tempted to get a NOS Win 70 walnut stock or quality synthetic. Chamber a Krieger barrel in 416 Rem Mag or 375HH. 24-25” with medium Sporter 5 contour. Pillar bed.

Or smaller classic like 257 Roberts or 7x57. Custom, slimmer walnut stock, pillar bedded or light weight, slimmer synthetic. 22-24” slim profile Krieger barrel.

 

[colorado]

470 Capstick

 

[AZDAVE]

404

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I like the 416 variant. A 416 Taylor should be in everyone’s arsenal.

 

[CJW]

Keep it a 300. Chop the barrel another 2.5", find a piece of English walnut with nice fiddleback and have a full stock made, install attractive open sights, case color the action or bolt and trigger guard and have yourself a handy little carbine.