Mtn_Infantry
AH fanatic
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
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